Empowering Developing Nations and Mending Broken Promises in Climate Finance

The need for decisive action through collaborative efforts

Kachi Akumabor
Purpose and Social Impact
3 min readAug 9, 2023

--

Photo by Ma Ti on Unsplash

In the face of the critical global climate crisis, the need to address the challenges at hand has never been more pressing. However, the realm of climate finance often falls short of fulfilling its promises, leaving many with a profound sense of urgency, frustration, and in search of a call to action. What are the underlying reasons for these failures? Can collaborative efforts between influential nations, such as the recent partnership between the UK and the US to empower developing nations in tackling climate change, be the necessary change that turns the tide?

Broken Promises and Wake-Up Calls

The broken promises across climate finance serve as a stark reminder of the challenges we face in addressing the global climate crisis. It has recently been reported that Rishi Sunak has announced over 100 new oil and gas drilling licenses. This new support from the Tory PM has come under heavy criticism from Tory MPs and environmental groups. They argue that Rishi Sunak’s intention to extract as much oil and gas as possible represents a “wrecking ball” through the UK’s climate commitments. Despite numerous commitments, many remain unfulfilled, highlighting the disparity between intentions and outcomes. Despite stated ongoing commitments to implementing sustainable solutions to our energy crisis, barriers hindering progress remain and ignite a renewed sense of urgency in our collective pursuit of sustainability and global climate consciousness.

Climate Finance as an Investment: Paving the Path to Resilience

To see a change and collaborative effort to drive sustainability across industries, organisations must realise the potential for to align profitability with their commitment to address the climate crisis. By viewing sustainability as both strategic and imperative, organisations can achieve positive environmental and social outcomes while securing their long-term success. This shift in perspective opens doors to a future where economic, social, and environmental prosperity intertwine.

To mend the broken promises of climate finance, we must view it as an investment rather than a mere financial and liberal, social commitment. When we strategically allocate resources and prioritise sustainable practices, we lay the foundation for a world that thrives economically, socially, and environmentally. Mobilising funds to help developing nations implement climate mitigation and adaptation measures acknowledges the importance of global solidarity and fosters equitable progress towards a low-carbon future — ultimately, minimising the continued prevalence of climate decay.

Purpose-Driven Actions: Bridging Intentions and Impact

Purpose must be at the forefront of our actions to continue to emphasise the necessity for a transition towards sustainability and a genuine consideration for the future of this planet. Purpose-driven organisations prioritise sustainability as a core part of their mission, embedding it within their strategies, operations, and stakeholder engagements. By aligning their values with tangible climate finance initiatives, these organisations create a compelling narrative that resonates with media, customers, investors, and employees alike. Purpose becomes the bridge that connects intentions with meaningful impact, fostering trust and attracting support.

Addressing climate change and fulfilling climate finance commitments require collaboration across sectors. Governments, financial institutions, businesses, and civil society must come together, acknowledging their shared responsibility in creating a sustainable ecosystem for change. By leveraging collective expertise, resources, and influence, we can drive systemic change, accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, and pave the way for a greener future for all.

The partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by climate change, empowering emerging economies, and advancing international climate action. As we witness businesses and nations across the globe embark on this transformative journey, we must confront the broken promises of climate finance with renewed purpose and determination. By prioritising purpose-driven actions, and fostering collaboration, we can mend the gaps, drive change, and build a resilient planet.

--

--