Representing the Least Developed Countries group (LDC), the Secretary of National Environment Commission, Sonam P Wangdi, called for greater financial support for LDCs when he presented their expectations for the UN Climate Change Conference and the 47th G7 Summit to the delegates across the world on May 31.

The delegates from across the world will meet virtually in the next three weeks to advance work on addressing climate change globally ahead of COP26 in Glasgow in November.

Sonam P Wangdi said: “Our people are amongst the worst affected by the climate crisis despite doing the least to cause it. We’re ready to advance fair and ambitious global climate action to protect our communities and ensure a safe future for our people and the planet.”

He said that the need for climate finance support by the developed countries for the LDC to address the climate crisis is felt because currently it is below the USD 100 billion that developed countries committed to providing annually by 2020.

“Climate finance is a key piece of delivering the goals of the Paris Agreement,” he said.  “Financial support is needed so our countries can adapt to climate impacts and build the resilience of our communities and increase the low-carbon development pathways and deal with the loss and damage that climate change impacts cause.”

The secretary said that in the backdrop of vulnerabilities and risks created by the Covid-19 pandemic in the LDCs, international support and solidarity was crucial.

He urged the governments to prepare long-term targets that are backed by concrete plans to immediately and significantly reduce emissions. “National pledges submitted under the Paris Agreement remain far from enough to limit warming to 2°C, let alone 1.5°C. Governments must step up their commitments before COP26 to close this gap.”

“Vast emission reductions are needed and there should be increased support for vulnerable countries who are bearing the brunt of climate impacts,” he added.

The annual G7 Summit coincides with the UN climate talks.

Representing almost one billion people throughout Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Caribbean, LDC group constitutes 46 poorest countries who negotiate as a bloc in the UN climate negotiations to secure fair and ambitious action on climate change.

By Choki Wangmo 

Edited by Tshering Palden