The idea that there should be an Adaptation Fund is not news. It was agreed in principle a long time ago, as part of the Kyoto Protocol, that rich countries should assign funds to help poor countries adapt to climate change.   

But pathetically small amounts of money have been allocated so far. Not surprisingly, developing countries have been feeling frustrated and skeptical about the management of the Fund so far.

Just a couple of hours ago, however, there was a breakthrough. At the UNFCCC in Bali, the negotiators agreed that a broader-based Adaptation Fund Board would be set up. This will give more access to decision-making to developing countries. Those who are already afflicted by climate change - or know they are soon to be severely affected - will now have a better chance to make their voices heard when it comes to deciding how the Fund should be run, who will be given financial incentives, under what circumstances, and so on.

We heard this news - hot off the press - from delegate M.J. Mace when she slipped out from the negotiation room for a brief while to be interviewed by the OneClimate team running Virtual Bali. (Please see www.oneclimate.net/virtualbali for more on this innovative way of global citizens interacting with delegates at the Bali conference.)