We are three weeks into our campaign calling for the robust financing of the Loss and Damage Fund, and less than two months away from COP28 (Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).
In honor of the 2023 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, a UN observance established in 1989 to celebrate community and people-driven disaster risk reduction and to raise awareness about disaster risks and mitigation strategies, Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted this year's theme, "Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future," in a public statement: "2023 has shattered temperature records, and seen record drought, fire and floods around the world. Poverty and inequality are exacerbating these disasters. Those with least are often at greatest risk from extreme weather. They may live in places that are more susceptible to flooding and drought; and they have fewer resources to deal with damage and to recover from it. They suffer disproportionately as a result, and may be pushed further into poverty. We must [...] tackle inequality at the global level, by operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund at COP28 this year [emphasis added] and ensuring that every person on Earth is covered by an early warning system by 2027." Click here to read the Secretary-General's full statement.
