Loss and Damage – Africa

COP27 concluded with a breakthrough agreement on a Loss and Damage Fund for the low-emitting countries hit hardest by the climate emergency. Although the announcement of the Loss and Damage Fund was a much-needed relief and a step in the right direction, for the African continent, there is still considerable work to be undertaken in the structuring and allocation of the Fund to ensure it reaches the places and communities that need it most but might have less influence on the decision table. With thoughtful and action-oriented planning, governments have a unique opportunity to transform how African dry-lands are supported through drought cycles and how vulnerable communities can cope with the impacts of climate change, both at the adaptation and mitigation level. The session aims to explore the loss and damage experienced by individuals, communities, and governments in the African region and how adequate funding for loss and damage could be tapped into, to reduce the impact of short-term, protracted, and slow onset crises.