To counteract the adverse impacts of climate change in impoverished and low-income nations, some United Nations Member States have committed $661.9 million to the Loss and Damage Fund.

The governing framework for the Loss and Damage Fund was established by governments during COP 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2023.

This Fund is designed to aid poor and low-income countries suffering from climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, and storms.

In a media briefing in Accra during the 6th AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director-General of the African Resilience Capacity Secretariat on Climate Change in Africa, stated that the Fund will become operational this year to assist vulnerable nations.

In 2023, approximately 165 million people in Africa experienced climate-related disasters including floods, wildfires, and droughts.

Mr. Diong noted that while Africa contributes less than four percent of global carbon emissions, the continent suffers significantly from the adverse effects of greenhouse gases.

He mentioned that the UN is working to secure additional funding from global governments to support countries affected by climate-induced disasters.

He also highlighted that Africa will advocate for increased funding for the Loss and Damage Fund at the upcoming G20 meeting in the United States this September.

Mr. Diong emphasized that climate change remains a major focus on the UN’s annual agenda due to severe climate challenges faced by Africa.

This concern has led to the creation of the African Humanitarian Agency Secretariat in Kampala, Uganda, to address the continent’s pressing issues.

He urged African nations to adhere to their Nationally Determined Contributions to help reduce the impacts of climate change.

Mr. Diong also called for an end to environmentally harmful practices, including rampant deforestation, land degradation, illegal mining, and detrimental farming techniques.