Loss and Damage Fund Opens for Requests, But developing Nations Express Reservations
BELÉM, Brazil – November 13, 2025 – The landmark Loss and Damage fund, established to assist vulnerable nations grappling wiht the devastating impacts of climate change, has begun accepting requests for financial assistance, marking a pivotal moment in international climate negotiations. While welcomed as a crucial step forward, developing countries are simultaneously cautioning that the initial operationalization of the fund falls short of the ample needs on the ground.
The proclamation came during the ongoing COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, where representatives from nations most affected by climate-related disasters have long advocated for concrete financial mechanisms to address unavoidable losses. the fund, agreed upon at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, aims to provide assistance for impacts like extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss – consequences to which developing countries contribute the least but disproportionately suffer.
However, concerns remain regarding the scale of funding pledged thus far – currently totaling over $700 million – and the complexities of the application process. Many nations emphasize that the amount is significantly less than the estimated trillions of dollars needed to adequately address loss and damage, and worry that stringent requirements for accessing the funds could hinder timely support for those most in need.
“This is a welcome first step, but it is just that - a first step,” stated a representative from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) during a press briefing. “The scale of the climate crisis demands a far more ambitious financial commitment, and the process for accessing these funds must be streamlined to ensure rapid assistance reaches those facing existential threats.”
the Loss and damage Fund’s operationalization represents a hard-won victory for developing nations, who have long argued that ancient emitters bear a obligation to finance the consequences of a crisis they largely created. The fund is intended to complement, not replace, existing commitments to mitigation and adaptation finance.
The initial call for proposals focuses on establishing clear criteria for assessing needs, prioritizing the most vulnerable countries, and ensuring equitable access to resources. Further details regarding the application process and funding priorities are available on the fund’s official website. the success of the Loss and Damage Fund will be a key indicator of global commitment to climate justice and the ability to deliver tangible support to those on the front lines of the climate crisis.
