2024-11-20 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Demands “Doubling of Adaptation Finance” at COP29

Negotiations on funding for adaptation to climate change are gridlocked. “We must double the funding for adaptation and expedite the allocation of resources to address the damages caused by climate change,” said Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, Dr. Kenrick Williams. He urged the international community to double funding for climate adaptation and speed up financial support for the damage caused by climate change.

Dr. Williams stressed that the climate crisis is having a severe impact on vulnerable nations like Belize. Natural disasters, including tropical storms and forest fires, have caused losses exceeding $200 million, more than 6% of the country’s GDP, over the past two years. “We need a doubling of adaptation financing, and we need to expedite the financing for loss and damage,” Dr. Williams said. “Investment in adaptation is not a luxury; it is a prerequisite for survival.”

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) rely heavily on tourism, fishing, and agriculture, are already bearing the brunt of climate change impacts. Developing effective NDCs is a difficult task, requiring financial resources, technical expertise, and strong data systems—things many SIDS lack. “We face the challenge of lack of human resources back home, especially when it comes to the expertise needed to put together international documents,” said Edalmi Pinelo, Belize’s Chief Climate Change Officer.

For many SIDS, financial struggles are made worse by growing debt, creating a cycle that makes it even harder to address climate risks.

Developing Nations Reject $200bn Climate Finance Proposal at COP29

“It is an honour to participate in such a landmark event to share our thoughts, engage in debate, and express our needs,” Pinelo said. “Climate finance is one of our top priorities. Our people are suffering from recurring tropical storms, and climate change is intensifying extreme weather events. Those trying to adapt in these conditions urgently need financial support,” she added.

Developing nations, including Belize, are frustrated that climate finance discussions are still focused on emission reductions while their urgent financial and adaptation needs remain unmet. Meanwhile, the EU has not yet agreed on a final figure for climate finance under the new goal.

Belize Strengthens Ties with Mexico

Last week, Prime Minister John Briceño travelled to Mexico City on an official visit aimed at strengthening the relationship between both countries. That same day, he chaired a meeting of COCESNA, the Central American Air Navigation Services Corporation, in his role as pro tempore chairman. The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to advocate for CEO Kennedy Carillo’s candidacy for a position on the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Board, a specialised agency of the United Nations.

The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including security, trade, and tourism in the border region. The future of the Tren Maya project, which aims to improve connectivity between Mexico and Central America, was another major point of conversation.

PM Briceño stated that President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico’s new Foreign Minister are committed to continued bilateral cooperation. Both countries also explored ways to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, with plans to form working groups to increase energy generation and transmission and expand the existing power purchase agreement to meet growing demand on both sides of the border. A key focus of the talks was the need for green energy development in both countries.

Birthday Jackpot: Man Wins $25,000 on Scratch and Win Ticket

Birthday Jackpot: Man Wins $25,000 on Scratch and Win Ticket

The man recently won $25,000 on a Scratch and Win ticket. He recalled going to a shop with several options and deciding to buy two scratch tickets—one for one dollar and the other for five dollars. As he scratched the five-dollar ticket, he realised he had won a significant amount of money. “When I scratched the bottom number, I saw 25, and I thought, well, it made a good birthday; it’s my birthday today,” he said.

He added, “Well, I said, well, you know, you feel like you’re funny in your body because, you know, you win this big prize.”

When asked what he planned to do with the cash, he mentioned that the first priority would be improving his home. “Well, the first thing is my house because it’s been two years. It will start at my house, but then I’ll have some day labor. But now, that’s the correct time, I figure,” he said, adding that he planned to use the money wisely. He also encouraged others to keep trying their luck, saying, “If you don’t buy, you don’t win. You don’t have hope that way.”

He had been trying to win for the last 3 years.

Developing Nations Reject $200bn Climate Finance Proposal at COP29

At COP29, large developing countries strongly rejected a private proposal suggesting $200-300 billion in climate finance for emerging economies, calling the amount “unacceptable.” Bolivia’s negotiator, Diego Pacheco, speaking for the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) group, said, “We are unable to fathom this $200 billion to step up ambition in developing countries,” adding, “Is it a joke?”

Developed countries, including the EU, are still negotiating the amount of finance they will provide under the new climate finance goal (NCQG). Germany’s climate envoy, Jennifer Morgan, stated that the EU is working on a “modern and fair” approach but has not yet disclosed a concrete number.

Developing countries also voiced frustration over a lack of progress on emission reductions. Pacheco criticised the talks as “totally imbalanced,” focusing too much on mitigation without addressing the finance and adaptation needs of vulnerable nations. “All we hear is mitigation, mitigation, and more mitigation,” he said.

On Wednesday, Germany’s climate envoy, Jennifer Morgan, emphasised that the EU is taking the issue seriously, aiming for a feasible yet ambitious goal. She stated that no EU or German figure has been set because they are striving for a fair and modern approach to climate finance.

As COP29 progresses, time pressure is mounting.

Australia’s environment minister Chris Bowen reported that the figures under consideration for an overall “mobilised” climate finance goal of $1.3 trillion include $440 billion, $600 billion, and $900 billion, all proposed by developing countries. Egypt’s environment minister, Yasmine Fouad, noted that debates over the structure of the climate finance goal are ongoing, with differing views on whether private investments should be included.

With the conference nearing its end, WWF’s Stephen Cornelius called for urgent political guidance, as key issues such as the size of the finance goal, who will contribute, and how funds will be allocated remain unresolved. He urged COP29 leadership to use their authority and diplomacy to reach an ambitious agreement by the summit’s close on Friday.

COP29 Day 8: Climate Finance, Youth Voices, and Urgency for Action

Kyiv Embassies Shut Amid Airstrike Threat as U.S. Ups Arms to Ukraine

The U.S. embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, has temporarily closed following intelligence indicating the possibility of a significant airstrike on the city. Greek, Spanish, and Italian embassies have also suspended public operations, citing similar security concerns, with Italy specifically referencing the risk of a high-intensity attack. The U.S. embassy has advised its staff and American citizens in Kyiv to remain prepared to shelter in place as air raid sirens continue to sound across the capital.

In response to the ongoing conflict, the White House is set to announce a $275 million military aid package for Ukraine, which will include artillery, rocket systems, and anti-tank weapons. The U.S. has, for the first time, approved sending anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, a controversial decision given the long-standing criticism from human rights organisations regarding the indiscriminate dangers posed by such weapons. U.S. officials have clarified that these mines are intended for defensive use within Ukraine’s borders.

Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions are intensifying as Russia updates its nuclear doctrine to include the use of nuclear weapons in response to aggression from non-nuclear states allied with nuclear powers. Despite this development, the U.S. has refrained from altering its nuclear posture, dismissing Russia’s actions as provocative and irresponsible rhetoric. At the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, President Biden’s recent decision to allow Ukraine to target Russian territory with long-range U.S.-made missiles has added further strain to diplomatic relations. Biden avoided direct engagement with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reflecting the complexity of navigating shifting U.S. policy and the uncertainties surrounding President-elect Trump’s future approach to the conflict.