STUMBLING BLOCKS: SA’s triple adaptation finance fails to make COP31 agenda

COP31, the 31st Conference of the Parties, opened on a lackluster note as negotiations stalled over the inclusion of a proposed triple adaptation finance in the climate talks' agenda. South Africa and the African group had been pushing for this critical finance to help vulnerable nations build resilient infrastructure, protect water sources, and manage droughts.

Despite high hopes following last year's COP30, where developed nations committed to increasing adaptation funding, the current conference saw no progress on this matter.

Brazil's André Aranha Corrêa do Lago handed the presidency to Turkish Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, during the opening plenary session. However, no consensus was reached on adding triple adaptation finance to the main agenda. The Climate Action Network (CAN) held a press briefing, highlighting the urgency of the situation, stating, "We're coming into this COP while the world is burning.

We have seen climate impacts throughout the year across the world getting more frequent and more devastating."

While developing nations managed to secure broader climate finance on the agenda, the specific triple adaptation finance proposal failed to gain traction. Sara Shaw, Director of Campaigns and Networks at 350.org, explained that the lack of a dedicated slot on the agenda created procedural confusion, leaving the issue without a proper platform.

Yet, South Africa's mission was not abandoned, as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment confirmed ongoing negotiations, with lead negotiator Maesela Kekana working to keep the issue visible throughout the two-week conference.