Ahead of Bonn Climate Conference, the International Rescue Committee Highlights Unique Risks in Conflict Zones
Geneva, May 27, 2024 — Ahead of the Bonn Climate Change Conference, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is releasing a report focused on addressing the needs of conflict-affected, climate-vulnerable communities through targeted climate finance.
Sixteen countries are caught in the intersection of climate vulnerability and armed conflict, representing a staggering 44% of people impacted by natural disasters and 79% of those in humanitarian need. Despite this, these communities receive disproportionately low climate finance, exacerbating their vulnerability. The report analyzes the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations and how the new global climate finance target can better support these communities.
Key findings from the report are:
- Inequitable climate finance distribution: Currently, 90% of climate financing targets middle-income, high emission-producing countries. Conflict-affected communities receive a fraction of the needed funds, leaving them unable to adapt to climate impacts.
- Adaptation finance gap: Conflict-affected communities receive only one-third of the adaptation funding compared to non-conflict settings. An estimated 75% annual gap exists between the adaptation support provided and the adaptation support needed.
- Gender inequality: Women, girls, and marginalized groups within these communities face even greater risks and have less access to resources. Only 14% of adaptation actions target women, and a mere 2% of budgeted activities address gender equality.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance presents an opportunity to correct these injustices. By setting ambitious targets and adopting inclusive, flexible financing approaches, the international community can support the most vulnerable populations in adapting to climate change.
Recommendations for the New Collective Quantified Goal are:
- Formally recognize adaptation finance gaps: Set a target of 18% of adaptation finance to go to climate-vulnerable, conflict-affected communities based on current estimates of costed needs.
- Balanced sub-targets: Allocate finance equally between mitigation and adaptation, with a separate sub-goal for loss and damage.
- Ensure accessibility: Loss & Damage funds should be available in conflict-affected countries through a flexible range of partnerships, including civil society and local actors.
- Gender inclusion: Set a target for 88% of climate bilateral finance to be gender-sensitive, with at least 15% gender-responsive funding.
- Regular, transparent reporting: Implement mechanisms for transparent reporting on climate finance flows, ensuring accountability.
The IRC urges all parties at the Bonn Climate Conference to recognize the unique challenges faced by conflict-affected countries and to commit to inclusive, sustainable solutions that address both immediate and long-term needs.
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