International Relations ♦ Online 66 Va. J. Int’l L. Online 1 (2025)

Adaptation Amid Conflict: Financing Climate Resilience in Conflict-Affected Developing States

Yuyan (Nicole) Zhang

May developed countries suspend their obligation to provide climate adaptation finance under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement during armed conflict? This inquiry is especially relevant for conflict-affected, highly climate-vulnerable states. This Essay explores how developed countries can fulfill their legal commitments and take “bolder collective action to build climate resilience” in highly vulnerable, conflict-affected states. This Essay argues that the nature of developed countries’ obligation to provide climate adaptation finance supports its continued application, especially during armed conflict. This obligation is rooted in the concept of international assistance and cooperation and is informed by the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capacities. It reflects the special responsibility of developed countries to provide adaptation finance based on their greater financial resources. Accordingly, the principle should persist, consistent with analogous obligations under international humanitarian law.