This SIPRI Insights addresses challenges related to the distribution of climate finance in conflict-affected countries, where vulnerabilities to climate change are significantly exacerbated. Conflict reduces the ability of populations to adapt, making effective climate finance even more critical. Despite increasing global climate finance commitments, conflict-affected countries consistently receive disproportionately low amounts of official climate adaptation development assistance (ODA) per capita compared to non-conflict countries with similar income levels and climate vulnerabilities.
The paper’s analysis, covering bilateral and multilateral ODA flows between 2015 and 2021, highlights significant disparities in per capita climate adaptation financing. For example, small island developing states receive more than $100 per capita per year, while many conflict-affected countries receive less than $1. Methodological challenges such as those related to “regional” funds or ” unspecified” and limited data transparency prevent accurate assessments. The paper highlights the need for improved transparency, equitable redistribution of funds and stronger donor-recipient coordination to ensure that climate finance reaches the most vulnerable populations, especially in conflict environments.
Table of contents
I. Issues related to the evaluation of climate finance in fragile and conflict settings
II. Total climate ODA commitments and disbursements
III. Changes in per capita climate adaptation ODA: Conflict-affected versus non-conflict countries
IV. Conclusions