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Graham Clark is Chairman and Chief Executive of Asia Affinity Holdings Ltd. in Hong Kong SAR, China.
Read the full transcript here.
Key points from the interview:
The pursuit of climate funds to address impacts and disaster risk reduction is a global imperative, albeit a complex one. To navigate this complexity, a structured and systematic approach is essential. Initially, governments play a pivotal role. They must articulate their climate priorities, clearly defining the areas of impact they intend to address, whether it be rainfall and drought or the ramifications on the blue economy and oceans.
Global consensus on climate priorities is crucial, with a focus on mitigating carbon emissions, increasing investments in renewable energy, and promoting sustainable global health. These priorities directly affect the safety and well-being of populations, making them imperative for governments to address.
Once priorities are established and supportive policies are in place, global institutions offer funds to aid governments in their pursuit of impactful change. Simultaneously, a community-level response is vital, encouraging grassroots engagement in disaster risk reduction. A comprehensive, whole-of-society approach becomes necessary, especially given the worsening climate situation and the fact that vulnerable communities are often the most exposed to climate risks.
Governments and institutions must engage in introspection, evaluating their performance against international frameworks like the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction. Tough questions need answers, and the reality is that there’s a shortfall in meeting these objectives.
To track progress and understand key issues, it is crucial to evaluate the international frameworks and assess community efforts. This evaluation provides valuable information for governments to enhance their climate and disaster strategies.
In accessing private-sector funding, governments can approach various institutions, including global financial entities like the Green Climate Fund, traditional providers of long-term capital, and international alliances committed to sustainable finance, such as the United Nations Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero.
Collaboration with multilateral agencies like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank further facilitates funding at sovereign, commercial, and grassroots levels. This multi-faceted approach ensures a comprehensive strategy for effectively accessing and utilizing climate funds to address climate impacts and disaster risks.
