As fossil fuel use continues to change the climate, more frequent and more devastating climate disasters are boosting the damage bill. Flooding, storms, wildfires, rising sea levels - all contribute to 'loss and damage', a concept that dominated U.N. climate talks last year. Developing countries find themselves on the frontlines of losses, despite contributing little to global carbon emissions.

The Pacific nation of Vanuatu is at the centre of the loss and damage story. It’s leading a coalition of low- and middle-income countries that want rich countries to cover the rising costs. Last year’s climate conference promised a loss and damage fund, but it is not yet set up or filled, pending debate over who should pay, how much, and how the money should be distributed.

Now, Vanuatu is going to the world’s highest court to help decide the issue: do polluting countries have an obligation to help those impacted by climate change?

0:00 Introduction
1:52 Loss and damage explained
3:57 Why loss and damage is different
6:12 How would a loss and damage fund work?
6:42 Who should pay into it?
7:50 How do you make them pay?
8:32 What's at stake for Vanuatu

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We make short documentaries, explainers and original series for people who care about the world’s biggest challenges. Context is anchored around three of the most significant and interdependent issues of our time: climate change, the impact of technology on society and inclusive economies. We contextualize how critical issues and events affect ordinary people, society and the environment.

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