Loss and Damage (L&D)

When the effects of climate change are too far reaching to adapt to, people sometimes face loss and damage – of property, livelihood or even their countries or their lives. In other words, when there is not enough mitigation (reduction of emissions and thereby less climate change) and when adaptation is not possible – then there can be loss and damage, due to the impacts of climate change.

Friends of the Earth International call for wealthier nations to live up to their obligations to compensate poorer countries for loss and damage. COP21, December 2015. Photo: Friends of the Earth International / Luka Tomac
Friends of the Earth International call for wealthier nations to live up to their obligations to compensate poorer countries for loss and damage at COP21, December 2015. Photo: Friends of the Earth International / Luka Tomac

A common example is the risk small island countries face when sea levels rise due to a warmer climate – as it is not possible to “adapt” to a country swallowed by the sea, the people of such countries face loss and damage.

For further readingĀ on loss and damage, see for example the website of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD). For the UNFCCC specific information on loss and damage, see their Chronology web page.