Unblocking the climate finance negotiations will unlock a new global agreement on climate change in Paris later this year. Developing countries need to see tangible commitment to providing the finance needed to combat the negative effects of climate change. As global emissions continue to increase, so does the cost of managing the impact. Africa’s Group of Negotiators (AGN) is positioned to take the lead, consistently presenting common positions for 54 countries. A breakthrough necessitates focus on a key issue that will yield win–win outcomes. The global climate finance architecture, while evolving, has not been able to secure predictable financial flows, thereby jeopardising progress. Unpredictable finance stymies developing country efforts to plan for and deliver climate responses. Innovation and credibility are the solution. Africa must use known approaches in different ways in the search for climate responses that meet domestic adaptation needs while responding to the global carbon challenge.

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Author: Belynda Petrie, South African Institute of International Affairs