ECO loves poetry. We can be found jotting little rhymes in quiet moments while waiting for plenaries to open (or finish). That’s why ECO has been keenly listening into the Global Goal on Adaptation, the NCQG, and the Nairobi Work Programme for signs of inspiration – since nowhere is there so much potential for poetry as in adaptation finance. ECO is hearing some signs of progress, but lots of delegates seem to have a bad case of writer’s block, so here are some top tips to write the perfect adaptation finance poem by COP27:
A good poem is the right combination of both quantitative and qualitative elements, with the right balance of numbers (of lines, stanzas and syllables). In adaptation finance, Parties know the overarching principle should be the balance between mitigation and adaptation finance promised back in Copenhagen, but some seem to find it hard putting it into practice. This should equate to at least 50 per cent of all climate finance flows, including the annual US$100 billion pledge. More adaptation finance needs to go to Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States who are not getting enough. Beyond this a more complex numerical structure deepens poetic effect: targeting gender-transformative action in all adaptation finance and tracking delivery to the local level is key.
Quality of finance will build the story. Targeted grants-based finance, improvements to support for agriculture, as well as threading adaptation through all sectors will build a rich narrative. And don’t forget, there are rich poetic traditions and forms from all around the world – support to implement their own adaptation actions should go to Indigenous Peoples, CSOs, smaller actors and locally led action, beyond the usual international organisations and national level implementers. For this accessibility to finance needs to improve.
The Adaptation Finance Champions Group can help with getting this poem written, but we really need more Parties moving things forward and adding their style. And let’s not forget the importances of better transparency when reporting and measuring impact to allow the story to be told properly.