Climate justice needs quicker compensation

Nearly two months after Nepal endured catastrophic floods, the UN's Fund for Loss and Damage (FLD) has committed $21.6 million to aid the nation. This represents the Fund's inaugural grant to a disaster-stricken country. Nepal invoked the principle of climate justice during its application, acknowledging its negligible contribution to global emissions while bearing the brunt of climate change in the Himalayas.

The flood-triggered avalanche claimed over 1,400 lives, washed away numerous villages, and damaged at least 10 percent of the country's hydropower facilities. Nepal is estimated to require $5 billion for recovery and reconstruction. This grant, though insufficient, is a significant step towards turning climate reparations into action.

Established at the UNFCCC's COP27 in 2022, the FLD operates on the principle of climate compensation rather than charity. The distinction is crucial, as it confronts the issue of responsibility for climate change, a matter often met with skepticism from wealthier nations. Nepal's application faced bureaucratic delays, with the FLD's application window closing in June.

When Nepal sought emergency funding, 119 countries' claims were pending approval. Initially, developed countries contested Nepal's request, fearing it might create a precedent for a permanent rapid-response mechanism. However, they ultimately approved the grant, albeit as an exception. The FLD's experience underscores the need for reform to ensure timely grants, preventing further hardships and increasing rebuilding costs.

The Fund's limited resources also hinder its ability to fulfill its mandate. Addressing the FLD's shortcomings will be discussed at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, as extreme weather events intensify. Delays in addressing these issues could undermine the core principle of climate justice at the heart of UN negotiations.