Debt payments by the 50 countries most vulnerable to the climate crisis have doubled since the pandemic, hindering their ability to address global heating.
Larry Elliott reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Vulnerable countries now spend 15.5% of government revenues on debt payments, up from 8% before COVID-19.
- The debt burden increase is attributed to the end of a debt suspension scheme, rising global interest rates, and a strong US dollar.
- A conference in Bonn will address climate finance and unsustainable debt levels, highlighting the urgent need for debt relief.
Key quote:
“Record levels of debt are crushing the ability of the most vulnerable countries to tackle the climate emergency.”
— Heidi Chow, executive director of Debt Justice
Why this matters:
High debt payments limit the capacity of vulnerable countries to invest in climate mitigation and adaptation, worsening the impacts of climate change and deepening economic instability. These countries, often located in regions already suffering the most severe impacts of climate change, are now forced to divert critical resources to servicing debt rather than investing in sustainable infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and environmental protection. The rising debt payments are squeezing budgets, leaving less room for essential climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
