Dubai – Climate change is a global crisis that affects the entire world, but its devastating effects are not shared equally among countries. Developing countries, which contribute the least to the pollution that causes climate change, are the most vulnerable to some of its harshest consequences, like intense storms, catastrophic flooding, and rising sea levels. Canada is committed to helping developing countries address climate-related loss and damage.
That is why today, to kick off COP28, Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced a $16 million contribution to the start-up cost of a global fund to address loss and damage. This contribution, made in partnership between Minister Guilbeault and Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, makes Canada one of the first contributors to the fund. This seed contribution will support the fund as it starts to provide vulnerable countries and communities with the resources they need to respond to the worst impacts of climate change.
Canada was an early advocate for the need to make progress on the issue of loss and damage at COP27 in 2022. Over the last year, Canada has been a progressive voice in brokering the historic agreement working with both developed and developing countries in bringing forward recommendations on the operationalization of the fund that were adopted at COP28.
Canada remains committed to working with its international partners to deliver an outcome that prioritizes the most vulnerable, mobilizes finance from all sources and types, and facilitates their access to funds to respond to the worst impacts of climate change.
“We must unite behind this effort to launch this important fund early, as an opportunity to strengthen global solidarity toward those who are facing the worst impacts of climate change. We must not leave climate-vulnerable developing countries to face these consequences alone. The creation of this fund is historic, and Canada is honoured to be among the first donors to this fund at COP28.” – Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Canada continues to stand by developing countries as they confront the effects of climate change. We know that our efforts will only be maximized when we work together with partners to make a real difference in the lives and livelihoods of communities most at risk. Let this new loss and damage fund be a catalyst for strengthened partnerships and swift action to help those who need it most.” – Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development