The Maldives has expressed dissatisfaction with the $300 billion allocated for climate action at the COP29 summit, describing it as insufficient to address the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable nations. Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, Thorig Ibrahim, conveyed the Maldives’ position in an interview with the BBC.
Minister Thorig stated that while the Maldives supported the allocation to maintain diplomatic relations with other nations, the figure falls far short of the $1.3 trillion annual funding that studies indicate will be required by 2035 to effectively combat climate change. He emphasized that such funds should come as grants, not loans, to ensure developing nations and small island states can implement necessary measures.
“Climate change poses some of the most significant threats to the Maldives,” the minister said, highlighting record rainfall this year, increasing coastal erosion, and the intrusion of salinity into freshwater systems. These issues, he noted, are worsening rapidly and require urgent international financial assistance.
The Maldives has ambitious goals to address its environmental challenges, including transitioning 33% of its energy consumption to renewable sources. However, achieving these goals will require substantial external support. “President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s policy of renewable energy conversion cannot be achieved alone,” Thorig added, underlining the need for global collaboration.
The minister criticized larger, wealthier nations for their reluctance to provide sufficient aid, pointing out that they are the biggest contributors to environmental degradation. He also noted the irony of significant resources being allocated to global conflicts while vulnerable nations struggle to secure funding for survival.
The Maldives remains steadfast in its advocacy for more equitable climate financing, calling on the global community to step up its commitments to ensure that vulnerable nations can adapt to the challenges ahead.
