Loss and damage: Who is responsible when climate change harms the world’s poorest countries?

Nov 14, 2022

climate change Loss and damage motorcycle floods Pakistan

Discussions about loss and damage are taking centre stage at the COP27 UN climate conference in Egypt. Image: REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro

Bethany Tietjen

Research fellow in climate policy, The Fletcher School, Tufts University

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When climate disasters strike, countries also need more financial help to cover relief efforts, infrastructure repairs and recovery. This is loss and damage. Image: REUTERS/Fayaz Aziz

A map showing countries that are most vulnerable to climate change Loss and damage

There has been little progress toward including a financial mechanism for loss and damage in international climate agreements. Image: The Conversation.

map annual carbon dioxide emissions per capita loss and damage climate change

Pakistan contributes only about 1% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Establishing a loss and damage mechanism is considered one avenue to provide recourse for global climate injustice. Image: The Conversation.

A graphic showing cumulative carbon dioxide emissions, 1750-2020 Loss and damage climate change

ome groups have raised concerns that relying on insurance systems can overlook the poorest people and distract from the larger discussion of establishing a dedicated fund for loss and damage. Image: The Conversation.

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