🌍 After intense negotiations, a climate deal was finally approved at COP29. But for many of the world's most vulnerable nations, it's hardly cause for celebration. The $300 billion a year pledge from wealthy countries? \"An insult,\" says Asad Rehman, executive director of War on Want.
In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Rehman didn't mince words: \"This is a joke, but it's a deadly joke for people on the planet. This is nowhere near enough.\"
He stressed the dire situation facing our planet, warning that without serious financial support, communities already feeling the heat (literally 🌡️) will be left to face the escalating impacts of climate change alone.
\"The UN told us we need trillions—yes, trillions with a 'T'—to tackle climate change effectively,\" Rehman highlighted. \"But here we are, falling dramatically short.\"
'A Totally Inadequate Number'
Scientists are sounding the alarm: the earth's average temperature over 12 consecutive months has already been more than 1.5°C higher than pre-industrial times. We're on track for a staggering 3°C rise by the end of the century. 😱
COP29 was dubbed the \"Finance COP\" for a reason. Developing countries, which have contributed the least to global emissions, desperately need funding—not just to reduce their own emissions, but to adapt to the already unfolding climate chaos and address the massive loss and damage they're experiencing.
\"We had two weeks of negotiations where developed countries refused to put a number on the table,\" Rehman said. \"And then, at the very last moment, they came up with this totally inadequate number.\"
'Not a Real Commitment'
Rehman's concerns don't stop there. He's worried that much of the pledged money won't come as grants but as loans, piling more debt onto nations already struggling to keep their heads above water. 🌊
\"It's not a real commitment,\" he explained. \"It's very likely that much of it will be debt-inducing loans and other financial instruments.\" Ouch.
For developing countries bearing the brunt of climate change, this deal feels like a slap in the face. The question remains: will the global community step up before it's too late? ⏳
Reference(s):
COP29 deal 'insufficient, inadequate and an insult' says charity head
cgtn.com
