Addressing Loss and Damage for Climate Justice in the Global South: An Analysis

Abstract

The global response to climate change has evolved due to its shifting impacts ― due to the limitations of mitigation and adaptation, the focus has shifted to 'loss and damage' to combat climate change. Climate risk is intensifying frequently, rendering mitigation and adaptation strategies ineffective. To mitigate climate risk and promote climate justice, the concept of 'loss and damage' deserves due consideration from all stakeholders. Surprisingly, countries experiencing the greatest loss and damage have contributed insignificantly to the causation of climate change. Climate justice demands equitable allocation of responsibilities and the sharing of burdens in combating climate change, as well as compensating less affluent countries for the impacts of climate change. To achieve climate justice, those countries must be compensated. The question now pertains to who will provide compensation and the criteria for such compensation. Historical polluters have a moral obligation and should assume the consequences of climate change resulting from their past emissions. Therefore, it is necessary to activate the loss and damage fund practically, decide who will pay for it, who will receive it and on what basis. At the Conference of Parties (COP 28), an agreement was reached to implement the fund established at COP 27 to resolve loss and damage and advocate for a new dedicated fund under the UNFCCC. Thus, this research paper will analyze different national approaches regarding loss and damage, responses to loss and damage, funding for loss and damage, management of loss and damage fund and how climate justice can be ensured by proper utilization of the fund. By applying a doctrinal research approach and utilizing primary and secondary sources, this paper concludes that although COP 28 marked a breakthrough by activating the Loss and Damage fund established at COP27, practical implementation remains unclear.