As climate change negotiators meet in Bonn, Germany, between 8 – 18 May, to discuss rules and processes to implement the Paris Agreement, the Chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group, Gebru Jember Endalew is concerned little is being done to support poor and small countries vulnerable to climate change.

Underdeveloped Pacific Island nations such as Tonga also lack the capacity to adequately protect their population from natural disasters, increased drought and sea level rises.

Although most have submitted plans to limit their emissions, many also note they need support to implement their plans.

"Many LDCs have made ambitious commitments under the Paris Agreement. However, these commitments cannot be implemented without substantial support, including technological and financial support,” said Mr Endalew.

"For many of our countries, keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius is a matter of survival. Therefore, we all have to work towards a cleaner, greener, low-carbon global society as soon as possible."

"Climate change is costing lives and livelihoods, particularly in poor and vulnerable countries so there is a need for urgent action by all countries. The LDC Group will continue to push for fair and ambitious action by all."

Mr Endalew added that many estimates of more than USD$100 trillion is said to be required over the next two decades for necessary infrastructure to shift to a global low carbon economy.

However the financial commitment by developed countries to date is very low and woefully inadequate.

“The little that has nominally been made available through various funds and institutions continues to be inaccessible for our countries that lack individual and institutional capacity to readily access those funds.”

He said that the “Least Developed Countries Fund, a key source of support for adaptation planning and implementation, sits empty."

“In short, climate finance must begin to actually flow to the countries that need it and be scaled up drastically if we are to limit global warming to safe levels and avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change across the globe."

Mr Endalew said that although LDCs face challenges, it is leading the way through action such as building on the successful launch of the LDC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Initiative at COP22.

"Through this initiative, LDCs are taking charge of their energy future and security and empowering our poorest communities to pursue sustainable development through equitable access to clean, sustainable and low-carbon energy."

The LDC Group has already convened in Bonn for preparatory meetings from 1-2 May to consolidate its positions and strategies ahead of the negotiations.

The United Nations climate change negotiations currently underway marks the half-way mark to finalizing the operation process of the Paris Agreement by 2018.