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As the United Nations' annual climate conference, COP 29, commences in Baku, Azerbaijan, two Catholic humanitarian leaders have highlighted the need for sustainable climate financing for the world's poorest nations. Gina Castillo, senior climate policy and research adviser for Catholic Relief Services, emphasized that these nations should be equipped to adapt to climate change without being burdened by international debt.
Castillo pointed out that many countries are caught in a cycle of survival due to limited fiscal resources. "Countries and communities (are) in this vicious cycle … forced to do whatever they need to do in order to get by," she stated. The conference, running from November 11-22 under the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, focuses on securing a new goal on climate finance and ensuring stronger global climate action.
Castillo stressed the importance of both the quantity and quality of financial aid. "We have to have a strong number. The quantum is important," she noted, adding that funds should not increase debt burdens but rather be public grants aimed at mitigation and adaptation.
Francis Darius, diocesan coordinator of Caritas Grenada, shared insights into how severe weather impacts vulnerable communities beyond just economic loss. He described issues such as loss of income and social challenges stemming from climate events. "You’re talking about loss of income and capacity, inability to rebuild homes," he explained.
Grenada's economy relies heavily on agriculture and tourism—both sensitive to climatic changes—and has faced significant challenges from hurricanes like Ivan in 2004 and Emily in 2005. Recent events such as Hurricane Beryl further devastated parts of Grenada’s tourism infrastructure.
Both Castillo and Darius underscored the urgent need for concrete action on climate financing. Darius urged global support beyond mere dialogue: "Real people face the real situation on a daily basis."
Gina Christian reported for OSV News.
