Urgent Call for $1.3 Trillion in Climate Finance Ahead of COP30

As the world prepares for COP30, a key focus is on mobilizing $1.3 trillion in climate finance to support adaptation efforts globally. According to a progress report released on October 21, 2025, climate finance is not charity but a vital investment for protecting economies, populations, and the global supply chains that every nation depends on.

As of September 30, 2025, 144 countries have initiated and launched the national adaptation plan (NAP) process, with 67 developing countries, including 23 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and 14 Small Island Developing States (SIDS), having already submitted their NAPs to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. These plans are laying the groundwork for strengthening resilience and integrating climate change adaptation into national and sectoral development planning.

However, the report also highlights persistent barriers to progress, with many countries still lacking access to the necessary funding. While the Green Climate Fund has played a vital role in supporting adaptation efforts, the total funding accessed by developing countries remains uneven. This has slowed the implementation of the adaptation actions identified in their NAPs, which are crucial for addressing escalating climate risks.

As the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, Stiell emphasized that adaptation is not optional but absolutely essential, as lives and livelihoods are being destroyed in every region, especially in the most vulnerable countries. He called for urgent action to ensure the safety and well-being of billions, with a focus on translating global policy commitments into practical, locally grounded solutions.