Observations on the role of the private sector in the UNFCCC's loss and damage of climate change work program

Private sector engagement, particularly in times of public budget constraints, has become a buzz word in most policy areas, yet roles and responsibilities between public and private sectors remain indistinct. We investigate this for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) work stream on addressing loss and damage (L&D). This paper presents evidence of current engagement and expectations, from official submissions to the UNFCCC, L&D literature, and relates this to experiences from the fields of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA). Results show a degree of 'vagueness' in outlining the role of the private sector with unclear conceptual boundaries of L&D, DRR and CCA posing challenges for stakeholders. Expectation that the private sector will support the emerging L&D framework through knowledge, skills and resource, particularly in developed countries, is apparent. Further clarity on expectations and the ability to deliver by the private sector is required.