# Developing Nations Demand Increased Climate Finance at COP31

Least developed countries urge wealthy nations to fulfill historical financial obligations for climate adaptation.

- **Source:** [Kyunghyang](https://www.khan.co.kr)
- **Published:** 2026-11-11
- **Topic:** [climate](https://brifing.si/c/climate)
- **Original article:** <https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202611112141005/?utm_source=khan_rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=total_news>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/06a48e9d-ac09-42ed-aeb1-532506b32645

## Financial Demands Intensify

The Least Developed Countries Group, representing 44 nations, demanded an annual climate adaptation fund of at least 120 billion dollars. They urged developed nations to accelerate these payments before 2035. The group emphasized that historical emissions from industrialized countries have disproportionately impacted vulnerable regions, necessitating immediate and substantial financial support.

## Historical Responsibility Debated

G77 and China highlighted the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. They criticized wealthy nations for failing to meet financial commitments established under the Paris Agreement. These developing nations currently bear the majority of costs associated with climate-related disasters, arguing that current international support remains insufficient to address growing needs.

## Fossil Fuel Transition Roadmap

Brazil proposed a concrete roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels, including ending subsidies and halting new power plant construction. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supported this call, urging nations to stop treating the transition as a taboo. However, COP31 hosts Turkey and Australia have not yet defined how to integrate this.

## Mountain Regions Seek Recognition

Nepal, alongside Bhutan and Kyrgyzstan, advocated for mountain-specific climate adaptation strategies following severe flooding in August. They argued that Himalayan glacier retreat creates downstream risks that require specialized international attention. Although mountain climate change was not adopted as a formal agenda item, discussions will continue through official COP31 chair consultations.

## Institutionalizing Climate Support

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Sisir Khanal emphasized that symbolic sympathy for climate disaster victims is no longer acceptable. He urged the international community to translate empathy into institutionalized action and binding commitments. The focus remains on moving beyond rhetoric to ensure that financial promises are effectively integrated into global climate policy frameworks.

## Negotiation Process Timeline

The COP31 presidency is currently gathering feedback from various member states and regional blocs through bilateral and multilateral summits. Following these intensive consultations, the presidency plans to release the first draft of the official negotiation document next week. This document will serve as the primary basis for subsequent climate policy discussions.

## Failed Agenda Proposals

The African Group of Negotiators attempted to place a proposal to triple adaptation funding on the formal COP31 agenda. Despite their efforts, the motion failed to gain consensus among the parties involved. This setback highlights the ongoing friction between developing nations seeking urgent financial relief and the current diplomatic negotiation constraints.

## Urgency of 1.5 Degrees

Adão Soares Barbosa, representing the LDC group, warned that global average temperature increases are nearing the critical 1.5-degree threshold. He described the lack of adequate international response as a betrayal of nations that contributed least to the crisis. Stronger global action is required to prevent catastrophic outcomes for the most vulnerable.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202611112141005/?utm_source=khan_rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=total_news — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
