As evoked in our COP28 and COP29 positioning papers, populations in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS) face a double burden as being the most affected by fragility and violent environments and being the most vulnerable populations to climate change. Yet, these countries only receive a quarter of the climate finance they require.
For Cordaid and CSPPS, the Climate, Peace & Security nexus has served as our focus for many years. Cordaid operates in fragile contexts where threats to human security come from different sides, impacting women and men differently. Climate change is an enormous threat multiplier that affects daily resilience and exacerbates conflicts and humanitarian crises that can deepen instability.
From contributing to food insecurity, limiting access to health services, to fueling conflict, the consequences of climate change are far-reaching and deeply interconnected. Without urgent action, the current situation in FCAS will continue to worsen. As such, climate change is a risk that affects all communities and countries, and it demands the involvement of all sectors of society, including individuals, communities, and institutions.
Recent budget cuts on development cooperation by multiple donor countries have further constrained the ability to address climate change risks and implement preventive interventions effectively. Limited funding has forced reductions in essential programmes such as community resilience building, environmental restoration, and early warning system development. These financial constraints undermine long-term sustainability and restrict the reach of adaptation projects, leaving vulnerable populations exposed to recurring climate shocks.
Donors, therefore, need to reconsider the current direction of reduced funding for climate change initiatives. No sustainable development outcomes can be achieved across any sector, whether health, education, livelihoods, or peacebuilding, without addressing the growing risks posed by climate change. Climate action must be integrated into everything we do, from strengthening health systems to promoting gender equality and fostering social cohesion. Only by embedding climate resilience at the core of all interventions can we secure lasting results and safeguard the progress already made, and promote sustainable peace and dignity.