22nd November 2024 – Baku, Azerbaijan
6:21pmAZT


The Alliance of Small Island Developing States is deeply disappointed in the state of the most recent text, which basically asks Parties “how low can you go?” on climate ambition. This is unacceptable.

This text will not be adequate to fully implement the Paris Agreement, to truly drive action to hold the 1.5C limit.

On the NCQG, The proposed $250 billion a year by 2035 is no floor, but a cap that will severely stagnate climate action efforts.

It is an investment goal that stands at a fraction of the at least $1.3 trillion that is needed to effectively protect our world from the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.

It does not raise the bar from the previous ineffective $100 billion goal.

The text ignores minimum allocation floors for SIDS and LDCs, of which we requested at least $39 billion for SIDS and at least $220 billion for LDCs.

It is regrettable that the groups who oppose the floor are the very groups who currently receive a concentration of climate finance provided and mobilized. SIDS for instance receive a mere 1 percent of climate finance. Even with a floor in the NCQG, we will still be the least recipient, as will the LDCs.
If this COP is to be a success, the final text must include this provision.

We are also greatly disappointed to see loss and damage only included in the preamble.

Additionally, we cannot agree to:
– Expansion of the contributors
– No additionality: ODA is not additional, fossil fuel expansion is not climate finance.
– No transparency arrangements: annual reports, access, SCF standalone
– Poor review and adjustment processes
– No relationship between the NCQG and the UNFCCC

We cannot be expected to agree to a text which shows such contempt for our vulnerable people. We will not be placated by a shoddy placebo goal.

We appeal to the moral conscience of those who proclaim to be our partners to stand with us, give us a hand, do not leave us further behind.

For 30 years, SIDS have been bearing the costs and the burden of climate impacts.

All we ask is that we are guaranteed and receive the protection that is promised to us under the Paris Agreement. This ask is not a threat. It is just a matter of justice.