Led by UCLG, call is now open for endorsements
On 18 November, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), on behalf of the LGMA Constituency and the Global Taskforce for Local and Regional Governments, released a powerful call to action, urging all levels of governance to step up in addressing the severe impacts of climate change.
Based on the UCLG Positioning Paper on Loss and Damage that recognizes that adaptation alone is not enough, the call demands a comprehensive response that crosses borders, engages all levels of governance, and prioritizes those most vulnerable. The call to deliver has already been endorsed by many LGMA partners including ICLEI, Regions4, Under2 Coalition, Metropolis and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR).
To ensure a just social climate transition, the call asks for various actions by different actors.
International Institutions:
Global institutions must intensify North-South dialogue, recognizing historical responsibilities and bridging resource inequalities. A critical focus is on creating accessible Loss and Damage finance, ensuring funds are directly available to local and subnational governments, especially in the Global South. They urged for a development model that champions sustainability, equity, and justice, with local governments as key players.
National Governments:
National governments must implement a “whole-of-governance” approach, where national strategies integrate local voices, especially those of marginalized communities. The focus includes improving conditions in informal settlements, integrating climate risks into urban planning, and crafting a cross-sectoral response that brings together climate, energy, and nature strategies to combat Loss and Damage.
Local and Subnational Governments:
At the local level, the call highlights the importance of protecting cultural heritage threatened by climate displacement and supporting displaced communities. They also emphasize the need for ecosystem restoration, climate migration strategies, and strengthening essential service delivery systems to ensure resilience in the face of escalating climate impacts.
The call to action also directly appeals to COP29 negotiators with a set of targeted recommendations. It invites them to involve the LGMA Constituency in the creation and implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund’s Operational Guidelines. Key demands include ensuring subnational entities have direct access to funds, revising mechanisms for local and regional government access to international financing, and mandating local governments to host Consultative Forums. The call emphasizes the importance of acknowledging local governments’ role in climate justice and equity, particularly for communities most vulnerable to loss and damage, and calls for collaboration with indigenous groups to integrate traditional knowledge into climate response strategies.
The call is clear: Tackling the complex challenges of Loss and Damage requires a united effort that spans every level of governance. This call for action aims to build a collaborative response to protect the most vulnerable, drive systemic change, and preserve the hope of reversing the impacts of climate change.
Endorse the Call to Action on the Efficient Delivery of Loss and Damage Responses at the Local and Regional Level here.
