By Prince Golez
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) called for urgent delivery of global commitment on climate action, particularly the funding for climate-related loss and damage.
“There is still a lot of work ahead of us; we need to deliver on our mandates and our roles more urgently and collectively to transform developing countries’ vulnerabilities and loss and damage to greater climate resilience,” said Vice Chair and Executive Director Robert Borje at the 18th meeting of the Warsaw International Mechanism Executive Committee (WIM EXCOM-18) in Manila.
The WIM EXCOM recently met to discuss the decision on funding arrangements for loss and damage, the enabling mechanisms to fully operationalize the Santiago Network, and the EXCOM’s second five-year rolling workplan.
Borje recognized the WIM’s efforts based on the mandates from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Conference of the Parties (COP), and encouraged the EXCOM and observers to expedite the work on loss and damage agenda.
“It is important that this WIM EXCOM should further advance the gains achieved in Sharm el-Sheikh in terms of separate funding facility for loss and damage. The EXCOM is expected to provide input to the work of the Transitional Committee,” the CCC chief said.
“This, to us, provides the Committee with the singular opportunity and the great responsibility to ensure the mainstreaming of action of support strategies under the second 5-year rolling work plan adopted by the parties at COP27,” he added.
The WIM EXCOM welcomed observers to the meeting, in which the Philippines actively participated.
Among the observation made by the Philippines were those on the work of the WIM with other UNFCCC constituted bodies and operating entities of the financial mechanisms, the EXCOM’s workplan, comprehensive risk management approaches, and facilitation and cooperation on action and support for developing countries.
The CCC also highlighted the need for best available science and technology to guide efforts to prevent, minimize, and address loss and damage.
“It is through the best available science and technology, governance, and investments that we can advance our transformation towards becoming climate-smart and climate-resilient nations,” said Borje.
The use of state-of-the-art methodologies for comprehensive risk assessments, he added, is crucial as these assessments will ensure that climate actions are scientifically sound and functional.
“In this case, the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage must be immediately and fully operationalized,” according to the CCC.
The Santiago Network aims to catalyze the provision of technical assistance, knowledge, and resources to developing countries, in addition to developed countries’ commitments to action and support.
