Brussels, 01/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - Climate financing will be crucial to achieving the comprehensive, fair climate agreement called for by all heads of state and/or government at the opening of COP 21 on Monday 30 November (see EUROPE 11442).
Thus, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker was keen to reassure the developing countries, and in particular the small island states that are most vulnerable to the impact of global warming of Europe's intentions for the coming years.
From the United Nations stage where he spoke in the early evening, Juncker called for a comprehensive agreement, “here and now” and highlighted the duty to stand shoulder to shoulder with the most vulnerable countries. “The current transition is not easy. We have to help each other. In 2014, Europe earmarked €14.5 billion for climate action in developing countries. We will do more over the years to come. We must do more over the years to come. And others need to follow our example”, he stated.
The message was important as the EU, the largest contributor to the green climate fund, had disappointed NGOs and developing countries by not being able to announce, on behalf of its member states, the figures for this current year and the years to come (see EUROPE 11428). The biggest developing countries have largely made their offers (INDCs) conditional on receiving US$100 billion per year as promised by 2020 and also much more again after 2020 (some $600 billion annually).
EU member states step up to the plate. On 30 November, according to UN figures, total contributions for the least developed countries fund (LDCF) for the next two years stood at US$248 million. Several EU member states already feature on the list of countries doing their bit to respond to the urgent and immediate adaptation needs of these countries.
Germany will provide a total of €50 million (US$53 million) for 2015-2016, the United Kingdom will make a further contribution of £30 million (around $45.1 million) in 2016, and France €25 million in 2016 (some $26.5 million). Subject to parliamentary approval, Denmark will give 156 million DKK in 2016, taking its contribution to 376 million DKK ($53.4 million). Sweden intends to provide a grant to the LDCF of SEK 100 million (around $11.5 million). Ireland will continue to support the fund and, between now and 2020, will provide at least €6 million ($6.4 million), subject to budget approval. Italy will give US$2 million before the end of the year and has pledged to increase its support in the coming years, including in 2016 (dependent on budget approval). Finland has given €1.6 million ($1.8 million) in 2015, taking its contribution to €32 million ($41 million) since 2003. The United States has announced a contribution of $51.175 million in 2015-2016 and Canada 30 million CAD (US$22.4 million) in 2016-2017. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)