Greenpeace Calls for ‘Polluter Pays’ Action Following Cyclone Ditwah 📈

A new report by Greenpeace South Asia highlights the staggering economic and human toll of Cyclone Ditwah, urging for global climate accountability and a national loss and damage framework. • Economic Impact & Damage The World Bank estimates total economic damage at approximately US$ 4.1 Bn. Over 114,000 homes were partially or destroyed; critical infrastructure including roads, railways, and utilities faced extensive disruption. Human cost: More than 600 deaths and 2.3 million people affected by flooding and landslides. • Sectoral Disruptions Agriculture & Fisheries: Rural livelihoods and food security are severely threatened as these key sectors face long-term recovery challenges. Agrarian Debt: Experts warn that disasters exacerbate existing debt burdens for rural communities, calling for grant-based climate financing. • Climate Science & Advocacy Human-driven climate change made Ditwah’s rainfall 28% to 160% more intense. Sri Lanka contributes less than 0.1% of global emissions but bears disproportionate costs, fueling calls for the "Polluter Pays" principle against major carbon emitters. • Policy Recommendations Establishment of an independent Loss and Damage Committee to address both economic and non-economic losses (e.g., cultural and psychological). Advocacy for climate-related debt relief and restructuring to prevent further national financial vulnerability.