Devastating floods and the dilemma of Climate change-induced loss and damage

 The current flooding being witnessed in Kenya and the larger East African region caused by unprecedented levels of intense rain has led many to re-focus attention on the negative impact of climate change. The extent and distribution of heavy rains that have affected every corner of the country and caused nearly 200 deaths (by 2nd May 2024), the displacement of thousands of people and loss of more than 5,000 assorted livestock, has raised questions about the role of the international community in easing the burden borne by developing countries such as Kenya and her East African neighbours.

Questions have arisen about global preparedness and capacity to cope, particularly by African, Latin American and Caribbean states and Small Island States and least developed countries, with what are anticipated to be increasing and worsening climate-induced catastrophes. It may be recalled that the topmost agenda of the most recent United Nations Climate Conference (Cop 28) was the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund. Established during the UN Climate Change Conference of 2022 (Cop 27), the Fund was conceived to help developing countries to offset the damage and disasters caused by climate change.

According to one of Kenya leading think tanks, the Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), the main features of the Fund include financing for disaster response, long-term recovery, and future climate resilience. Additionally, it should support technical assistance and capacity building of the most climate-affected regions. Financing through the Fund is voluntary and not linked to carbon emission levels, which some critics view as unjust.

This arrangement allows some rich nations such as China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, classified as developing but not least developed countries, to choose whether to contribute, without any mandatory obligation despite their high emissions. It raises doubts about the Fund’s effectiveness and its sustainability in assisting vulnerable developing nations impacted by climate change.

By the time of Cop 28, which was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates between 13th November and 23rd December 2023, developed countries had committed US$792 million to the Fund, of which some US$661 million had been pledged. Although the idea of such a fund became part of the UN’s agenda as far back as 1991, it took more than 30 years for it to be realised.

During Cop 28, the UAE and Germany each pledged US$ 100 million, while the UK and the US pledged approximately US$ 50.6 million and US$ 17.5 million, respectively. Japan, another significant polluter, pledged US$10 million. China, India, and Russia, major oil consumers, and high carbon emitters, made no commitments to the fund. It is notable that the second most leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the United States of America has since pulled out of the Paris Agreement altogether.

The situation has left developing countries in a quandary. Despite contributing the least in causing climate change and suffering the most from its damaging impact, rich countries continue to demonstrate half-hearted commitment towards supporting adaptation programmes in poorer regions of the world.

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