As COP29 nears its conclusion, the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) has issued a damning critique of the latest climate finance proposal, warning it endangers millions of lives.
Jess Beagley, Policy Lead at GCHA, described the proposed agreement as a “death sentence” for vulnerable communities.
“This deal fails not just developing countries but the entire world,” she said, urging negotiators to commit to grants from wealthy nations to address urgent health threats.
Beagley criticized the reliance on loans and private sector finance, warning of increased debt and poverty cycles for developing nations. “Human lives hang in the balance, but the current text offers fossil fuel companies a free pass,” she added.
Dr. Jeni Miller, Executive Director of GCHA, in her own remarks called the proposal a mockery of the UNFCCC process.
“It is unconscionable that wealthy nations propose a deal worsening the debt burden of countries already devastated by climate impacts,” Miller stated.
With millions affected by heat waves, floods, and droughts, GCHA demanded immediate action from negotiators.
“Lives are at stake, and the world is watching,”Miller warned.
By Dare Akogun
