Antigua and Barbuda has yet to secure Climate Justice funding despite UN decision

Director General of Communications, Maurice Merchant, says that the government of Antigua and Barbuda has yet to secure climate funding, despite the 2023 creation of a Loss and Damage Fund by UN climate. At a time when the government is preparing the country for the upcoming hurricane season, these much-welcomed funds are still currently unavailable.

“It’s a work in progress, and pledges have been made; unfortunately it takes a while before funds are secured”, said Merchant.

According to UN.org, as of 23rd of January, 2025, a total of $741 million has been pledged to the Loss and Damage Fund by 27 contributors.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, a well known advocate for Climate Justice in small island developing states, has made it a priority to pursue the issue on the world stage. In a recent address to the UN, he noted:

“The fight for survival is not just about climate – it is also about financial justice, reparatory justice, other injustices and equity. The international financial system is skewed, outdated, and unjust – punishing the most vulnerable while rewarding the already rich and prosperous with favorable terms for their financial instruments. For too long, small states like mine have been shackled by debt we did not cause; debt that arose
from recovery spending on recurring disasters that are beyond our control.”

It would seem that so far, this impassioned plea has only resulted in pledges and promises as opposed to tangible compensation.

Merchant did highlight that countries have stated their intention to assist Antigua and Barbuda in the event of any natural disaster damages.

“Pledges in the form of assistance if there are disasters have been forthcoming,” he said. “And so countries are prepared to provide assistance, along with members of the international community, including the United Nations and some if its organs.”