Developing Countries Criticize Rich Nations' Climate Funding Failures at UN

At the 2025 United Nations General Assembly, leaders from developing countries criticized wealthy nations for failing to meet their climate finance commitments, which are crucial for combating climate change impacts such as rising sea levels and droughts. Despite the submission of national climate plans (NDCs) by over 100 countries, these pledges fall significantly short of the Paris Agreement goals to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, with experts warning the commitments are insufficient to prevent catastrophic climate effects. Rich nations, especially the United States, have been called out for their disproportionate historical emissions and inadequate financial support, with developing countries demanding that those responsible "foot the bill." Kenya's President William Ruto and leaders from island nations like the Marshall Islands and Fiji emphasized the urgent need for affordable and accessible climate finance, noting that current funding levels, including a $100 billion annual target, are insufficient and often delayed. The financial strain on developing countries hampers their ability to invest in resilience and development, exacerbating climate-induced displacement and economic challenges. While some countries like Germany have pledged increased contributions, calls for simplified and equitable access to climate funds remain strong to ensure effective climate action in vulnerable regions.