Finnish Red Cross: The Climate Conference brought hope for adaptation work, but falls short on emission cuts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees

The Finnish Red Cross welcomes the outcome of the UN Climate Conference (COP30) in Brazil, where Parties reached an agreement on indicators and a forward-looking vision for adaptation. Approximately 60 indicators will enable the tracking of progress towards global adaptation goals.

“The decision gives hope and tangible tools for the urgently needed adaptation,” says Climate Change Specialist Paula Uski from the Finnish Red Cross. 

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has been involved in the preparation of indicators in several areas, in particular health, early warning systems, water and protection. The Finnish Red Cross supports the climate work of the IFRC.  

Adaptation funding should be targeted at developing countries 

The COP30 reached an agreement on a new adaptation finance goal to replace the one expiring this year. However, the objective of tripling the funding was pushed back by five years at the last minute. Now, the objective is for states to at least triple adaptation finance by 2035 compared to current levels. 

“A significant increase in funding for adaptation is absolutely crucial to reducing human suffering. Funding is particularly needed in the most vulnerable countries and at the local level, where people bear the greatest burden of the catastrophic consequences of climate change,” Uski says.  

States' emission reductions remain insufficient

States were required to present their updated national emission reduction commitments before the start of the Climate Conference. Many countries failed to do so. Outcomes on phasing out fossil fuels were also modest. 

“There is still too great a gap between the commitments and actual emission reductions to keep the critical 1.5-degree warming limit within reach,” Uski says.