In war-torn states hurt by climate, scant hope for new funds

In conflict-ravaged nations such as Yemen and Somalia, devastating floods and droughts kill hundreds of people and uproot tens of thousands from their homes.

These countries and many others in the Middle East and Africa have been plunged into turmoil and wars for several years. Now climate change is an added disaster for those already struggling for survival.

The United Nations climate conference, which wrapped up last weekend in Egypt, established a new fund to help poor, vulnerable countries hit hard by climate change. Countries like Yemen and Somalia are among the world’s poorest and more vulnerable to climate change impacts as they are less able to adapt to weather extremes.

Conflict-hit countries are unlikely to receive funds because they lack stable governments, said Nisreen Elsaim, the chair of the UN Secretary-General Youth Advisory Group.