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COP30 Pivots to Adaptation Finance as Developing Countries Demand Obligations Be Met

Early pledges fall far short of what vulnerable countries say they need.

Overview

  • In Belem, negotiators put adaptation front and center, with a U.N. estimate placing developing countries’ needs at up to $310 billion per year by 2035.
  • India, speaking for BASIC and LMDC, pressed for a universally agreed definition of climate finance and full implementation of Paris Agreement Article 9.1 after Brazil removed the item from the agenda and scheduled a special stocktake.
  • The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage remained a focal point, with guidance, eligibility and disbursement rules still to be finalized before it can deliver support.
  • Public finance signals included multilateral development banks reaffirming adaptation lending, Germany and Spain pledging $100 million to the Climate Investment Funds, and a WMO‑backed facility preparing a $200 million impact bond by 2026.
  • Weak major‑power engagement, including leader absences and the U.S. administration’s declared Paris exit, fueled doubts about the COP process and its ability to secure a comprehensive finance outcome.