LOSSES AND DAMAGES: EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPENSATION POLICIES APPROVED AT RECENT COPS MEETINGS

Abstract

Climate change imposes significant threats to ecological, economic, and social systems on a global scale, disproportionately affecting vulnerable countries and communities that historically contributed minimally to greenhouse gas emissions. Climate loss and damage comprises irreversible adverse impacts that cannot be avoided through mitigation or adaptation strategies, requiring specific compensation mechanisms. This study analyzes the effectiveness of loss and damage compensation policies approved at recent Conferences of the Parties, evaluating institutional advances, financial commitments, and implementation challenges. The methodology adopts a qualitative approach of applied nature, with exploratory-descriptive objectives, using documentary analysis of COP decisions, technical reports, and systematic review of specialized literature. The results reveal four central dimensions: significant institutional milestones with the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund; financial commitments substantially lower than estimated needs; governance challenges related to eligibility criteria and participation of vulnerable countries; and gaps between formal commitments and effective implementation. The conclusions indicate that compensation policies represent historic advances in global climate governance but remain insufficient to adequately respond to the needs of vulnerable countries, requiring substantial expansion of financial resources, binding contribution mechanisms, and systemic transformations that promote climate justice and equity.