Why are we still waiting for justice on loss and damage?

Chiara LiguoriClimate Change, In the news, Influencing

Remember the fanfare two years ago when rich countries promised new money to respond to the destructive impacts of the climate emergency? Well, the paltry climate finance deal at COP29 contained precisely zero concrete commitments on loss and damage. Chiara Liguori on how the hopes of poorer countries and communities were raised – only to be brutally dashed.

Inadequate climate action helped fuel Scotland’s political turmoil: here’s how credibility can be rebuilt

Jamie LivingstoneClimate Change, In the news, Influencing

Ditching a supposedly legally binding emissions reduction target helped to drive Scotland’s First Minister out of office. Whoever is in charge next must rekindle the leadership that, just two years ago, saw Scotland become the first nation to commit funds to address losses and damages caused by climate change, says Jamie Livingstone.

What would a feminist loss and damage fund look like?

Myrah Nerine ButtClimate Change, Gender, Research

Myrah Nerine and Alex Bush introduce a new paper that calls on decision makers at COP28 to pay attention to the gendered impacts of the climate emergency.

Will the new loss and damage fund replicate the same old exclusion of local voices and organisations?

Lyndsay WalshClimate Change, Events, Power Shifts

How can a community-based organisation with three staff compete with the World Bank or an INGO for resources to address climate damage? Lyndsay Walsh on why this week’s crucial pre-COP meeting on recommendations to establish the loss and damage fund must create more space, money and support for local organisations.

The rush for clean-energy minerals risks fuelling conflict in the Sahel – and that has to be on the climate agenda

Mohamadou Fadel DiopClimate Change, Conflict, Events

Mohamadou Fadel Diop on why climate negotiations such as the upcoming COP28 must pay attention to how the energy transition may drive further conflict and instability in West and Central Africa.

Power up: how renewables can change women’s lives in the Philippines

Maria Rosario FelizcoClimate Change, Inequality, Influencing

Our projects on the ground already show the huge potential of renewable energy to transform the lives of poorer communities, says Maria Rosario Felizco of Oxfam Pilipinas. That’s why we’re fighting for a national energy transition that delivers justice and fairness for everyone.

The clean energy transition needs to be fast – but it must also be fair

Ruth MayneClimate Change, Inequality, Research

Dante Dalabajan and Ruth Mayne introduce a new Oxfam research report – produced by staff and partners from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, US and Europe. The paper investigates the implications of the clean energy transition for lower-income countries and communities and asks how the world can achieve a truly just, as well as fast, transition.

As UN experts call for an end to greenwashing, it’s time for companies to step up on net zero

Danielle SmithClimate Change, Private sector

Companies in the richest countries have still not agreed to climate measures that are in line with staying below 1.5 degrees. Danielle Smith and Hilde Stroot welcome new guidance from a UN panel, released at COP27, to push action by firms on corporate net-zero plans – and set out five key ways in which its recommendations will lead to climate justice.

Want to understand the trauma of climate loss and damage? Listen to the voices of Southern Africans who are living it

Juliet Suliwa KasitoClimate Change, Events, Research

With world leaders at COP27 under pressure to act on loss and damage finance, Juliet Suliwa Kasito shares insights from conversations in Malawi and Zimbabwe – and draws out recommendations for policy makers, including to focus more on ‘intangible’ damage, such as psychological distress