The UN Climate Change chief, Simon Stiell, has called on countries to deliver a rapid surge in climate finance ahead of the COP30 summit to confront the escalating impacts of climate change.
Stiell, who leads the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), warned that developing nations remain critically short of the resources needed to cope with worsening storms, floods, and droughts.
In a statement on Tuesday, he stressed that climate finance must “flow right now” as delegates prepare to meet in Belém, Brazil, in November for what is expected to be a decisive summit aimed at turning global climate pledges into tangible action.
“Whether or not countries need to be prepared to cope with a changing, more unpredictable climate is hardly in question. Extreme weather events such as devastating wildfires, catastrophic droughts, and apocalyptic floods are making life increasingly difficult in all parts of the world,” Stiell said.
He cited practical adaptation examples including high sea walls, cyclone warning systems, floating homes, and drought-tolerant crops.
A new UN Climate Change report highlights progress on National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) but warns that persistent funding gaps threaten to derail many efforts.
Speaking at the report’s launch in Brasília, Stiell said the climate crisis is destroying lives and livelihoods globally—particularly in vulnerable regions—and reminded leaders that “adaptation is not optional; it is absolutely essential.”
He emphasised that investing in adaptation not only protects lives but also empowers communities and countries to thrive, describing National Adaptation Plans as “key to unleashing the transformative power of investing in climate resilience.”
Despite the funding challenge, 67 developing countries have submitted NAPs, including 23 least developed countries and 14 small island developing states. These plans prioritise inclusive adaptation efforts involving women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and the private sector.
The report’s release comes just 19 days before COP30 opens in Belém, where negotiators will focus on adaptation and the urgent need to mobilise $1.3 trillion in climate finance.
Looking ahead to the summit, Stiell described it as a “key test of global solidarity,” urging countries to “connect climate action to real lives everywhere to spread the vast benefits.”
