Climate Finance Deadlock: African Nations Reject Developed Countries' Push

African nations have opposed developed countries' efforts to have some developing nations contribute to a new climate finance package. At the climate summit in Azerbaijan, the African Group of Negotiators emphasized that developed countries are obligated to provide financial resources to help developing countries combat climate change. The stalemate centers on long-standing principles established by the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, which clearly designate developed nations as donors and developing nations as recipients. Developed nations argue for re-evaluation, citing shifts in global wealth distribution since the 1992 adoption of the UNFCCC.

At the heart of the climate summit in Azerbaijan, African nations stood firm against attempts by wealthy countries to expand the donor pool for climate finance to include developing nations. They argue this approach strays from foundational agreements on climate funding responsibilities.

Ali Mohamed, leading the African Group of Negotiators, indicated that both the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement unequivocally assign the role of financial supporter to developed countries, demanding they stand by their commitments.

Despite suggestions from developed nations like the EU and US, which reflected shifting economic standings, developing nations stressed the principle of equity, urging that historical polluters should chiefly bear the financial burden.

(With inputs from agencies.)