Introduction

This introductory chapter is driven by the fact that the operationalization of Goal 13 of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG 13) and the mobilization of climate finance to developing countries have, on multiple occasions, led to dire consequences for the communities living in these countries. These consequences range from displacements or food insecurity to even armed conflicts over scarce resources. Despite the profound and far-reaching implications of these impacts, they have received disproportionately less attention compared to other quantitative aspects of climate finance, such as the need to facilitate more lending and optimize capital usage. While the mobilization of climate finance on a larger scale is undeniably essential for the success of developing countries’ climate policies, it is equally crucial to ensure that the Climate Funds established to realize SDG 13 do not inadvertently burden the very individuals who are meant to benefit from them.