Loss and Damage

The Costs of the Climate Crisis: Why We Need the Loss and Damage Fund

Campaign

36,998 people are taking action

Despite contributing very little to climate change, developing countries continue to bear the greatest costs. Understanding this, nations made a historic commitment at COP27 to create a Loss and Damage Fund to help developing nations cope with the costs and impact of the climate crisis. On November 30, 2023, thanks to the public pressure from tens of thousands of you and advocates from around the world, countries formally operationalized the Loss and Damage Fund on the first day of COP28 in Dubai, with over $700M committed to date.

with The Alliance of Small Island States
What is the Loss and Damage campaign?

Campaign Updates

Historic agreement reached on day one of COP28
Emergency meeting of the Transitional Committee ended with mixed results
Negotiations on Loss and Damage Fund stalled at the Transitional Committee meetings
Deadlock regarding the Loss and Damage Fund may jeopardize climate summit
The Loss and Damage Fund is currently “an empty bucket”
Developing countries advocate for $100 billion in loss and damage funding by 2030
Countries are far from meeting their emissions reduction targets, the UN Global Stocktake Report reveals
Concerns arise over U.S. commitments to Loss and Damage Fund
U.S. Promises Climate Action in the Pacific
Former U.K. PM calls for oil-producing countries to pay a climate tax

What you can do

Use your voice

Tell World Leaders to Support the Loss and Damage Fund

Get educated

The Frontline

See the stories and hear the testimonies from communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

Series· 5 videos
Watch

Portraits of Resilience

In 30 seconds each, hear directly from people affected in low-lying coastal nations.

Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle | The Bahamas
Shakita Davis | The Bahamas
Zuri Okorafor | The Bahamas
Ruth Smith | The Bahamas
Roscoe Thompson III | The Bahamas
Ambassador Fuller | Belize
Sariah Magaoa | Niue
Robin Hekau | Niue
Mario Muschamps | Belize
Tamala Juliana Pita | Tuvalu
Honourable Seve Paeniu | Tuvalu

Explainers

What is the Loss and Damage Fund?
Article·1 min read
What might be considered Loss and Damage?
Article·1 min read
Why is the Loss and Damage Fund needed?
Article·1 min read

Deep dives

Sinking islands, rising costs: The Maldives’ race against climate change

The Maldives are the lowest lying islands on Earth, and they’re sinking — by 2050, 80% of the island nation could become uninhabitable. The deterioration of coral reefs poses a threat to the country’s biodiversity, economy, and existence.

Article·9 min read
The Caribbean’s coral crisis: Ocean acidification threatens coastal livelihoods

The Caribbean is a paradise in peril — more than 50% of the Caribbean’s coral reefs could be lost by 2050. Urgent action is needed from the global community to preserve these vital ecosystems and protect the region’s economy.

Article·6 min read
Tidal threats: Displacement and resiliency in Papua New Guinea

Rising sea levels and exceptionally high tides are displacing communities across Papua New Guinea, disproportionately affecting women. Tulele Peisa, a women-led relocation organization, is setting an example for climate migration efforts around the world.

Article·8 min read

Be a champion

Share the Loss and Damage campaign

We are urging world leaders to fulfill their commitments to help developing countries cope with the tremendous financial burden caused by the climate crisis.

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#Wildlife·Mar 5, 2023
Article·1 min read

Nations agree to language for historic High Seas Treaty

Trevor Jones

Late last night, after two weeks of intense negotiations, delegates meeting at the United Nations finally agreed to language for a High Seas Treaty. This is a major milestone in a nearly two-decade effort to secure a treaty to govern and protect the High Seas, which make up 70% of the ocean and cover nearly half the planet. More than 160,000 supporters spoke up and urged leaders to act. This public support, along with the great work of partners like RISE UP, the High Seas Alliance, Greenpeace, and more, helped show decision-makers that people all over the world were watching and wanted action — and they delivered. There is still more work to do, as nations will now need to formally adopt the language and ratify the treaty at the country level. We will continue to keep you updated on campaign developments and the critical moments where we need your support.