Youth climate activists from around the world are demanding justice and finance for climate-induced loss and damage (L&D) through a global day of action on Sunday, April 18th. The day of action includes in-person actions and virtual actions on social media, using the hashtag #LnDFinanceNow.
This follows the release of an open letter to the US Government to take ambitious action in addressing loss and damage from climate change. At the time of writing, the letter has over 100 signatories from 55+ countries.
Loss and damage refers to the most severe impacts of climate change. From the Philippines to Honduras, countries and communities around the world are currently experiencing loss and damage from climate-induced disasters. These disasters compound the existing health and economic crises caused by COVID-19. Still, developed country governments who have benefited from pollution are blocking the provision of finance to pay for loss and damage.
The day of action and open letter were coordinated by members of the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition (LDYC), a new global alliance of young people demanding action on the most severe impacts of climate change. The open letter has the following five demands for the US Government:
Take action on L&D: Honour the rights of young people and future generations by prioritizing action on loss and damage.
Open a finance window for L&D: Champion the establishment of a new window of additional finance for loss and damage.
Pledge new finance for L&D: Make a substantial commitment of climate finance to the above-mentioned loss and damage finance window. This should start with a commitment of $10 billion and increase annually according to the US’ fair share of global loss and damage finance needs.
Make L&D decision-making inclusive: Commit to making loss and damage decision-making inclusive by including youth and other oppressed peoples in policymaking.
Meet with us: Meet with youth from the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition to discuss how the US, and other developed countries, will take action and provide finance for loss and damage.
You can read the full open letter here.
