Time to pay up for climate damages, Scot Lib Dems set to argue

Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson on the Climate Emergency, Liam McArthur MSP, is warning there is “there is no escaping the truth that wealthy countries have historically done more to cause the climate crisis, yet it is poor countries and the most marginalised that are facing the gravest consequences."

At COP27 last November, world leaders agreed to create a fund dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities deal with the devastating loss and damage they have suffered. However, the detail on who pays into the fund and who can get support is yet to be agreed.

According to a report penned by the international development agency Christian Aid, by the end of the century the economic damage of the climate crisis will see GDP growth across African countries fall by up to 64% if urgent action is not taken.

The Scottish Government has to date committed £7 million to help communities tackle climate damage such as sea level rise and the loss of cultural identity. The Scottish Liberal Democrats are to argue that the UK Government and fossil fuel companies must also commit finance.

The debate is also expected to see the Scottish Liberal Democrats reaffirm their commitment to restoring international aid to 0.7% of Gross National Income. Under the Conservative Government, cuts to aid have resulted in a £4.6 billion black hole in the budget compared to 2019.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Scottish Liberal Democrats MSP Liam McArthur said:

“We have all seen the heart breaking scenes of floods and cyclones in the past year wash away homes, schools, and hospitals in places like Pakistan and Bangladesh.

“There is no escaping the truth that wealthy countries have historically done more to cause the climate crisis, yet it is poorer countries and the most marginalised that are facing the gravest consequences.

“Credit to the Scottish Government for their support of a loss and damage fund, but it is a drop in the ocean without global leadership. We need real action, not just words.”

David Green, Public Engagement Lead for the international development agency Christian Aid, added:

"While politicians haggle, those people who did the least to cause the climate crisis are trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and debt.

"If the litmus test of good society is how we support those in need, we are falling.

“Both the UK Government and fossil fuel companies have moral responsibility to pay up for the climate damages that they have inflicted on the planet.”