This question looks at the differences in climate adaptation funding. While many funds are promised for adaptation efforts, the actual distribution often does not meet the needs of the most vulnerable countries. International law could help by creating binding rules for fair fund allocation, ensuring resources go to where they are needed most.
Aftab Haider I'm not sure whether you watch detailed dynamics of politics in the West, but please don't hope on us.
There is combination of:
- mounting public debt, mounting retirement obligation and slow growth / stagnation
- changing public opinion mood towards both green (high energy prices) project and migrants from global south (crime rate spike, newcomers ending up as net financial liability)
- risk of ongoing second cold war getting hot (which shifts a bit financial priorities)
So the discussion goes not towards picking more international obligations, but in opposite direction, rather in favor of reforming (or out right ignoring/revoking treaties) on refugee laws due to their perceived abuse (or at least obligations rising in unsustainable way)
On top of that, the USA that used to be preoccupied enough on global rule of law and had willingness to enforce of that, seems to have a change of geopolitical focus, so it degrades any more far reaching "international law" towards being some non-binding declarations.
Despite growing global awareness of climate change, the annual adaptation finance gap of $194–$366 billion remains a critical issue. The shortfall in meeting the adaptation needs of the Global South—particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)—raises concerns about equity and justice in climate finance. While numerous pledges exist, such as the $100 billion annual commitment under the UNFCCC, actual disbursements often fall short, lacking transparency and fairness.
Legal Solutions:
Marcin Piotr Walkowiak Given the shifting geopolitical priorities and domestic financial constraints in Western countries, as highlighted in your response, how can international law effectively address the mounting resistance to global obligations, especially concerning climate adaptation funding? What specific reforms in international treaties or financial mechanisms might create more sustainable solutions, considering the current political landscape?
Aftab Haider In order to make something international law, you need high level of international support for particular regulation. In this case it's highly unlikely to get consent from more developed countries as that would be strongly against their interests and would be seen by local voters as something hard to distinguish from extortion.
You may try your luck playing major players against each during ongoing second cold war, to get some freebies. However, that would be unlikely to yield some sustainable financing mechanism, but rather would look like ad hoc exchanging favors.
Aftab Haider Find a way? Well... I'd say that there had been a chance of creating some global community and ongoing Russian invasion on Ukraine brought such chance. Had Russia faced total global sanctions overboard, this war would be long over. As its not the case, there are two major problems:
- The war soaks any funds that West would be realistically willing to spend on foreign aid.
- As Indian foreign affairs minister expressed it candidly (what most of non-Western countries had been doing as well, just had a bit more skilled diplomats) when asked on supporting Ukraine: "Europe has to get out of the mindset that Europe's problem is the world's problem but the world's problem is not Europe's problem". I'd say that a few people in Europe as requested updated our mindsets, concerning what's not our problem in equally cynical fashion.
There would be something odd in first abandoning the West in moment of need, while in the same time expecting some high level of generosity in return. I'm not saying that anyone had here any binding obligations towards the West, however if someone had already expressed by his actions that we're not bound by any major, mutual obligations, he shouldn't be surprised when his position gets accepted.
Marcin Piotr Walkowiak I believe this perspective raises some valid points but also overlooks deeper complexities. Yes, the Russian invasion of Ukraine did create a rare moment where a form of global solidarity seemed possible, at least among certain Western countries. The total sanctions argument is compelling in theory, but in practice, the geopolitical realities, economic interdependencies, and competing national interests have always made truly comprehensive sanctions difficult to enforce. It’s naive to expect a unanimous global stance when countries weigh their own survival and strategic interests first.
The point about Western funds being drained by the war and thus limiting foreign aid is real, but it also exposes a deeper issue: the West’s longstanding selective empathy and willingness to support crises that align with its interests. This war highlights how global aid and attention are often transactional and politically motivated rather than principled or consistent.
Regarding the Indian foreign minister’s blunt reminder about Europe’s mindset, I believe it’s a necessary critique. Non-Western countries have long experienced a world order where their problems are marginalized or ignored, so expecting universal solidarity now seems hypocritical on Europe’s part. The cynicism in Europe’s updated mindset is not surprising but it’s also a reflection of entrenched power dynamics and self-interest rather than a sudden change of heart.
Lastly, the idea that abandoning the West in its moment of need should result in generosity in return feels idealistic at best. International relations are rarely governed by moral obligations but by perceived interests and power balances. If mutual obligations aren’t clearly defined or reciprocated, it’s logical that countries will act pragmatically rather than out of any assumed loyalty.
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