Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 09/2011

Turning the tide: improving access to climate financing in the Pacific Islands

Nic Maclellan

July 2011

Lowy Institute for International Policy

Abstract

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) commits developed countries to provide climate financing to developing nations, to address climate impacts on food security, water supply, agriculture and public health. But despite recent commitments of 'fast start' climate funding from donors, Pacific Island governments face significant obstacles in accessing resources to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. This new Policy Brief by journalist and researcher Nic Maclellan outlines innovative approaches that could strengthen Pacific access to climate finance and improve outcomes for vulnerable communities in our region. It discusses how climate finance can be used effectively, as Australia faces the challenge of meeting its fair share of the global funding pledge of US$100 billion a year by 2020.