What is the $100 billion a year climate pledge and why is it important?

With the next round of UN climate talks commencing at the COP26 summit this October, the issue of climate finance will once again be on the agenda and we're calling on high-income countries to deliver on this commitment to support low-income countries to face the impact of climate change and renew their greenhouse gas emissions.

While the funding allocation has never been met, the issue of climate change adaptation has become even more urgent and important in the intervening years, with the need for action being undermined by the lack of adequate financial support.

Why is climate finance important?

Climate change is deadly, costly and hits hardest those who are least responsible for causing it. It is a key driver of the rising levels of global hunger and is undermining efforts to address extreme poverty. Low-income countries are exposed to some of the most severe climate impacts, have the least capacity to adapt and find it hardest to recover from the devastating impacts caused by floods, droughts, heatwaves, cyclones, and rising sea levels. It is the people that have contributed least to climate change who are currently paying the price.

High-income countries most responsible for climate change are also most able to cover the costs of dealing with the impacts. We are therefore urging those countries to keep to their commitment and provide the means of implementation to allow poorer countries to prepare for increasing climate impacts.

What is COP26?

The United Nations climate change conference (otherwise known as COPs) brings together global leaders, experts and campaigners to coordinate action on climate change and accelerate progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference provides an opportunity for countries, international organizations and other delegates to highlight diverse climate change issues, share knowledge and set important targets.

The UK is due to host the 26th United Nations climate change conference (COP26) in Glasgow, at the Scottish Event Campus, from October 31 to November 12, 2021.

What is Concern doing at COP26?

In the run-up to COP26, we will be working to ensure that there is a focus on the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and that they receive the support they need to deal with climate impacts.

We’ll be amplifying the voices and experiences of the people that Concern works with, who are already living with the effects of climate change.

Through our 1Planet4All campaign, we’re working with others across 12 European countries to inspire a generation of youth activists to lead our fight against the global climate crisis. We want to hold politicians, elected officials and corporations to account on their Paris Climate Agreement pledges.

What can you do to support those affected by climate change?

Help us to share the voices of the people most affected by climate change and hold high-income countries accountable in relation to climate finance.

You can also contribute your thoughts, challenges, or actions to support the USD 100 billion commitment, using the hashtag: #100billion4ClimateChange.