Vanuatu pushes for critical changes to address climate change-induced loss and damage at the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.
At the COP29 meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, Vanuatu presented three key proposals to enhance the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damage. The WIM is designed to address the challenges posed by loss and damage, such as the destruction of homes and loss of lives in developing countries, caused by climate change disasters.
Mr. Abraham Nasak, Acting Director General of the Ministry of Climate Change and head of the Vanuatu delegation, expressed concerns about the WIM’s effectiveness, stating that it has yet to fulfill its purpose despite Vanuatu’s continued calls for support.
The first proposal highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of global loss and damage. Vanuatu has called for an Annual Loss and Damage Gap Report to assess current impacts, required financing, solutions, and policy innovations worldwide.
“Our proposal ensures the WIM addresses the real scale of global loss and damage, which remains unrecorded. The annual report would provide critical data to close this knowledge gap,” said Nasak.
The second proposal emphasizes the need for justice in loss and damage financing, advocating for mechanisms that hold responsible parties accountable and ensure support reaches the most vulnerable nations. “This work must align with international law and human rights obligations, ensuring fair and effective financing for impacted countries,” Nasak stated.
The final proposal underscores the importance of local leadership in climate solutions. Vanuatu insists that decision-making authority for loss and damage must rest at the local level, where the impacts are felt most directly. “Our solutions, our future. The WIM must lead efforts that empower locally led responses while adhering to the principle of subsidiarity,” Nasak added.
Vanuatu’s proposals aim to strengthen the WIM’s capacity to address the escalating challenges of climate change, urging the international community to act decisively for vulnerable nations.
Photo Credits: Ministry of Climate Change
