ActionAid reaction to relocation of COP25 climate negotiations to Madrid, Spain

"The shifting of COP25 from Chile to Madrid with only four weeks’ notice presents real barriers to participation for countries from the global South and civil society. Hotels in Madrid are already full. Last minute flights are expensive. Visas can be difficult to obtain at short notice. This sudden decision is likely to shift the balance of power towards the wealthier countries of the global North.

"COP25 is a critical moment for vulnerable countries, who are calling for the creation of a fund to address climate-induced “loss and damage”, so as to help countries pick up the pieces in the aftermath of climate disasters. If negotiators from Africa, least developed countries and small island developing states are unable to attend COP25 to defend the interests of their citizens, this could have real and lasting consequences for the world’s vulnerable people. "