The third meeting of the Transitional Committee #TC3 on Loss and Damage, which will last from August 29 to September 1, has begun in the Dominican Republic with a thundering appeal for action. The creation of a crucial Loss and Damage Fund is the main objective of this conference, which aims to lessen the catastrophic effects of climate change.
In order to highlight this urgency, YouthNet and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Bangladesh Delegation worked together to visit the Manta community in Barishal yesterday (August 29), elevating the voices of individuals who have been adversely affected by climate change.
The Manta community, a steadfast fishing community in Bangladesh’s Laharhat, Barishal region, has faced the brunt of climate change impacts. Traditionally reliant on fishing, the community’s livelihood has been imperiled by erratic rainfall and heightened salinity.
“We must ensure that the Loss and Damage Fund is people-centered, human rights-based, and responsive to gender dynamics,” emphasized Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet for Climate Justice. The committee aims to facilitate meaningful engagement from civil society and frontline communities throughout the negotiation and implementation phases.
“All disbursements from the Loss and Damage Fund should manifest as grants, not loans,” reiterated Sohanur Rahman, reflecting the imperative to alleviate the financial burden on vulnerable nations.
Shakila Islam, National Coordinator of YouthNet, emphasized the need for quick access to funding for affected communities as climate-related disasters wreak havoc around the world. Shakila stressed that “the Loss and Damage Fund must release funds within 24-48 hours of a climate disaster,” calling for quick aid to grassroots organizations.
Prof. Saleemul Huq, director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development and advisor to the COP28 president, emphasized the need for prompt action. Huq stressed that operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund by COP28—rather than COP33—should be the top priority in order to address the global climate catastrophe quickly.
“Fostering resilience and equity in the face of climate change requires collective action and innovative solutions. As we stand in solidarity with communities like Manta in Bangladesh, the establishment of a comprehensive Loss and Damage Fund becomes an imperative step towards safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring justice.” – Felix Kolbitz, Resident Representative of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Bangladesh.
Photo copyright by Felix Kolbitz
In the face of escalating climate change impacts, exemplified by the challenges faced by communities like Manta in Bangladesh, the urgency for action is undeniable. The resounding call for a locally-driven, swift, and responsive Loss and Damage Fund underscores the need to prioritize the most vulnerable among us. As the Transitional Committee #TC3 convenes and COP28 approaches, the international community is presented with a vital opportunity to make a meaningful difference. By establishing a fund that aligns with principles of justice, human rights, and gender sensitivity, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.
The experiences of the Manta community serve as a poignant reminder that climate change is not just a distant threat, but an immediate crisis affecting real lives. With unwavering determination, YouthNet and its partners stand united in their commitment to advocate for change, ensuring that the Loss and Damage Fund becomes a beacon of hope for those in need. As the world’s eyes turn to COP28, the stage is set for transformative action that can bring relief, support, and resilience to the forefront.
