Kathmandu, September 05 (H.S.): Forty-four least developed countries (LDCs) have collectively called for climate justice in support of Nepal and other nations facing severe disasters linked to climate change. At a conference held in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, the countries expressed deep sorrow over the devastation caused by the Bhotekoshi floods and conveyed their solidarity and condolences to the people of Nepal.

The 44 countries said that climate change has contributed to severe floods in the Himalayan region in recent days, following avalanches and landslides that caused extensive loss of life and property. Expressing their profound condolences to the people of Nepal, they stressed the need to support countries bearing the brunt of the climate crisis.

The conference called for easier and increased access to high-quality climate finance, including grant-based resources, to compensate for the loss and damage caused by climate change in least developed countries.

The declaration noted that poor and least developed countries are struggling with high borrowing costs and heavy debt burdens as a result of the climate crisis. Against this backdrop, it said the existing global climate finance system requires comprehensive reform.

The 44 countries called on nations historically responsible for higher carbon emissions to provide compensation for the losses and damage caused by the climate crisis. They argued that climate change is having its most severe impact on countries whose contribution to global emissions remains relatively low.

The least developed countries have called for climate-related financial assistance to be increased to at least USD 128 billion annually by 2035. They also emphasised the need for more effective implementation of the goal of limiting the rise in global temperatures to below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The countries further called for climate-adaptation technologies and investment opportunities to be made available in line with their efforts and contributions towards reducing carbon emissions. The conference underscored that providing financial and technological support to developing and least developed countries to tackle the climate crisis should be a priority for the global community.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar