Three years after Parties established the Santiago Network as an answer to the WIM review (pointing to a lack of progress to deliver action on support for loss and damage) negotiators agreed on its terms of reference earlier this week. The Santiago Network is now ready to catalyze technical assistance for developing countries, enhancing capacity to address loss and damage.
As ECO could hear the applause of negotiators celebrating, we couldn’t help but wonder: have they talked to their colleagues recently? Because in the (closed) rooms right next to them, developed countries continue blocking the establishment of a Loss and Damage Finance Facility. Dear negotiations, don’t be mistaken. Just like there is no point in hanging venue maps without actual information or having water dispensers without actual water, there is no point in operationalizing a Santiago Network without actual support: new and additional money at scale to address loss and damage and a dedicated facility to channel these funds.
ECO can live with being lost and thirsty but we will not accept yet another COP outcome that ignores the loss of lives and livelihoods, and other human rights harms that loss and damage is causing all over the globe. COP27 will not deliver real solutions for people affected by the climate crisis without the establishment of a Loss and Damage Finance Facility.