Kenya and other developing countries walked out of a meeting, rejecting a $300 billion new public climate finance at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), saying the proposal was insulting.
The countries on Saturday, November 23, walked out of the meeting, after the proposed initial deal was changed.
Initially, developed countries proposed $250 billion in annual funding, an offer that was immediately rejected by developing nations, who had been demanding at least $1 trillion per year.
However, after extensive consultations on Friday night and Saturday morning, the offer was marginally increased to $300 billion.
The revised proposal was not welcomed by small island states and the least-developed countries, who said that the revised proposal was inadequate and walked out of the meeting.
The negotiations were then extended into Sunday, and decided by 3:00 am, drawing criticism from developing countries and activists, who have branded it a betrayal of climate justice.
Kenya’s Special Climate Envoy Ali Mohamed noted that they were not prepared to accept the offer, noting that it crossed the red lines.
“We are prepared to reach an agreement here in Baku, and indeed we must reach an ambitious agreement in all respects, but we are not prepared to accept things that cross our red lines,” said Ali Mohamed.
Additionally, the Chairperson of the Association of Small Island States (AOSIS) Cedric Schuster highlighted the effects of climate injustice, adding that the calls of poor countries have continuously been ignored.
“Small island developing states and Least Developing Countries (LDC) are among the very worst impacted by this climate crisis that we did not cause. Yet we have found ourselves continuously insulted by the lack of inclusion, our calls are being ignored.
“We need to be shown the regard which our dire circumstances necessitate,” added Cedric Schuster.
The African group of countries also rejected the offer.
Under the deal, developing nations will receive at least $300 billion annually in the fight against climate change, aimed at helping them cope with the ravages of global warming.
The poor countries need the cash to wean themselves off the coal, oil and gas that causes the globe to overheat, adapt to future warming and pay for the damage caused by climate change’s extreme weather.
The new deal will replace the previous $100 billion a year deal, which is set to expire, that had been running since 2009.
COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev gaveled the agreement into acceptance before any nation could voice its concerns. When given the chance to speak, delegates criticized him for his perceived bias, condemned the deal as insufficient, and accused wealthy nations of being excessively frugal.
Earlier this week, UK Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds has announced a £30 million (Ksh4.8 billion) uplift to the Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) Africa programme, which includes up to Ksh660 million (£4 million) of new funding for WISER Kenya.
Kenya Meteorological Department, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Predictions and Applications Centre (ICPAC) and Kenya Red Cross, in partnership, the WISER programme will enhance early warning and early action before disaster strikes, reducing humanitarian need and supporting drought-affected communities.
This will go towards adaptation to climate hazards such as droughts, floods and storms, working with communities – particularly women and girls – to understand and respond to their needs.
In 2023, Kenya experienced the worst drought in 40 years, and this year, it experienced the most devastating floods which displaced more than 15,000 households.
Enhancing weather and climate forecasting is an essential part of enabling households, government and humanitarian actors to take anticipatory action, reducing the risk to life and livelihoods due to extreme weather events.
British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan, said: Weather and climate services help us all to prepare better. WISER has supported farmers and communities across Kenya – from Lake Victoria to Kibera – to anticipate and reduce the impact of severe weather.
Through this funding uplift, we look forward to working with Kenya Meteorological Department and other partners to enhance Early Warning Systems and support communities to prepare for climate shocks such as droughts and floods.
Senior Climate Scientist at ICPAC Philip Omondi Amingo, said: This funding will greatly enhance the capacity of leading early warning and humanitarian institutions in Kenya to develop triggers and early warnings ahead of predicted weather and climate hazards, reducing the impacts on communities before they fully unfold.
Previous phases of WISER delivered early warning services such as improved weather forecasts for Lake Victoria, which led to a 30% decrease in severe weather-related deaths and generated $44 million (Ksh5.6 billion) in economic benefits for Lake Victoria fishing communities.
Through the DARAJA project, WISER is supporting inclusive urban initiatives across East Africa through providing early warnings of extreme weather, particularly to marginalised communities based in informal settlements.
For example, the project has previously worked with local communities such as Kibera to co-design weather information using radio and SMS. This can help people to take action to protect themselves and their property.