The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) has become a battleground over climate adaptation finance, with African nations demanding concrete delivery plans for the promised $120bn annual adaptation lifeline. Environment Minister David Maynier credited behind-the-scenes negotiations by South Africa's chief negotiator, Maesela Kekana, and the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) for keeping the issue alive. The tripling of adaptation finance from $40bn to $120bn annually is a key demand, but developed nations, led by the EU, are pushing back.
Developed nations have only promised to pursue tripling adaptation finance, but have not provided specifics on how and when the money will be paid. The Common Initiative, a nonprofit think-tank, noted that the final text would likely recall finance commitments without a new number. Oscar Soria, co-chief executive, said that until the text has a baseline, milestone, and a name next to the cheque, the promise remains a slogan. The African Group and developed nations are at odds over where and how to discuss tripling adaptation finance.
The Climate Action Network (CAN) media briefing heard that $120bn is not enough to cover developing countries' actual needs, estimated at $420bn per year by 2025. Pooja Dave, CAN's adaptation lead, said it is critical to anchor the tripling commitment and delivery plan for adaptation finance directly within the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) framework. This links finance to the implementation, tracking, and monitoring of specific adaptation targets across various sectors.
Developed nations are pushing to discuss tripling adaptation finance in the climate finance stream, which a negotiator described as a deliberate attempt to "dilute" the language. Developing countries are concerned that once the $300bn annual climate goal is reached, developed nations would lump the tripling of adaptation finance with that achievement instead of treating it as a standalone goal. This presents a problem for COP32, as it would start from scratch on ironing out a pathway to deliver $120bn to developing nations yearly by 2035.
South Africa is also seeking an increase to the money paid into the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The country submitted a $20-million proposal to restore flood-affected areas in Kruger National Park and associated conservation landscapes after historic floods in January 2026. Environment Minister David Maynier said talks are still in the early phase and that replenishing the loss and damage fund would be the subject of his weekend meeting.
The COP31 presidency released its reflections on the cover decision, an overarching political summary that wraps together the main goals, values, and high-level messages from the first week of negotiations. Tripling adaptation finance made it onto the draft cover decision, highlighting the issue raised by developing nations. However, the technical negotiations have come to a close, and the outcome remains uncertain.
The standoff over climate adaptation finance continues, with African nations pushing for concrete delivery plans and developed nations using delaying tactics. The outcome of COP31 will have significant implications for the implementation of climate adaptation targets and the support provided to developing countries. Key points include the need for a clear commitment to tripling adaptation finance, a delivery plan for the $120bn annual adaptation lifeline, and increased funding for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.
Key points
- African nations demand concrete plans on $120bn climate adaptation finance.
- Developed nations use delaying tactics to avoid specifics on climate adaptation finance.
- The outcome of COP31 will have significant implications for climate adaptation targets and support for developing countries.
