Christian Aid have been campaigning for the establishment of a loss and damage fund since the end of 2021. And we aren’t alone.
Climate vulnerable communities having been calling for action for decades, and in recent years prominent young activists like Vanessa Nakate have helped raise the profile of this crucial issue.
Saturday saw the conclusion of talks at COP27 - the annual, global climate change conference, held (this year) in Egypt. So, what happened and what’s next?
Firstly, a deal was agreed at the last minute to create a loss and damage fund!
It’s hard to express how big this is for the countless people who’ve worked so hard for so long to attain this outcome.
Joab Okanda, Christian Aid’s Pan African Policy Advisor, said: “This is a victory for climate vulnerable countries and civil society who have been demanding this outcome for 30 years.”
We're full of gratitude to those of you who have called for action on loss and damage over the past year. Your engagement on the issue, participation in our petitions and campaign actions has helped to turn this goal into a reality. You’ve helped persuade the UK Government to go from being a blocker, to supporting the fund.
But there’s a lot more work to do.
While the agreement made was to fund a loss and damage finance facility there was no agreement about how much, who pays for it and over what time period. So, lots to keep campaigning on.
Our Christian Aid team (pictured) in Egypt also held meetings with many government reps. Including Burkina Faso, Malawi and UK MPs as well as helped deliver four campaign stunts, that made Christian Aid's demands visible to negotiators.
Image credits and information
So, there’s a lot to celebrate but we cannot be complacent as it’s not all good news.
Joab Okanda concluded his thoughts on the conference by saying “It’s disappointing that despite all the warm words from world leaders at the start of this summit about the seriousness of the climate emergency, countries couldn’t even commit to a phase down of all fossil fuels.”
The lack of action on the winding down of fossil fuel use puts the previously agreed 1.5 degree warming target in great jeopardy.
Put simply, “More fossil fuels means more loss and damage.”
What’s next here in the UK?
People like you are key to leading the charge on climate justice in 2023. You’ve already demonstrated what can happen when we all work together towards a common goal.
Thousands of you turned out at climate justice marches across the UK during COP and many more of you have signed our petitions.
To keep this on our government's radars we need churches to keep rising up. Our ‘prayer person’ church action is a great way to engage your church in prayer and action on loss and damage.
There’ll be more news to follow in the coming weeks but to conclude:
- We have a loss and damage fund!
- You helped make this happen - thank you
- Get involved in further loss and damage campaign actions here (or using the link below).
