International Climate Coalition calls on government to focus on justice at COP29

The International Climate Coalition, a network of civil society organisations (including Simavi, CARE Nederland, Mercy Corps, Action Aid, Women Engage for a Common Future, Oxfam Novib) committed to ambitious and fair climate action, has listed a number of important priorities for the Dutch government.

Fair climate finance target

High on the agenda in Baku is the establishment of a new and fair climate finance target. Countries in the Global South are hit hardest by climate change, while historically they have contributed very little to it. The International Climate Coalition believes that the Dutch government – ​​in line with scientific research and the recommendations of the United Nations – should work hard to achieve a global joint target of at least $1 trillion per year, with priority given to subsidies over loans.

Crucial role of women and girls

Another priority of the Dutch government should be to set ambitious targets in the European and national climate and energy plan, protecting people with low incomes. The government should also commit to public financing for adaptation, i.e. adapting to climate change, that prioritises the interests of women, local communities, workers and ecosystems. Finally, the government should recognise that women and girls play a crucial role in tackling climate change and ensure that sufficient public financing is made available for vulnerable groups that are not interesting for the private sector.

Esin Erdoğan, NGO representative for COP29: ‘We cannot and should not tackle climate change at national level alone. The Netherlands has every interest in ambitious climate action and has the opportunity to play a leading role in Baku, through the European Union, and to rectify the impact of its historical emissions.’

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