The work of the Expert Group on Non-economic losses (NELs) focuses on strategic workstream (b) of the current five-year rolling workplan of the ExCom, which aims to enhance cooperation and facilitation in relation to non-economic losses through enhancing data collection on, as well as knowledge and awareness of, non-economic losses, facilitating their mainstreaming in measures at the national level.

Non-economic losses refer to a broad range of losses that are not easily quantifiable in financial terms and not commonly traded in markets. Non-economic losses are additional to the loss of property, assets, infrastructure, agricultural production and revenue that can result from the impacts of the adverse effects of climate change. Non-economic losses may affect individuals (such as loss of life, health impacts or losses due to induced human mobility), society (such as loss of territory, cultural heritage, indigenous or local knowledge, or societal or cultural identity) or the environment (such as loss of biodiversity or ecosystem services).

The terms of reference for the Expert Group on Non-economic Losses (NELs) were adopted at ExCom 12 in 2020, and the group was launched later in 2020. It currently comprises 18 members, including 4 ExCom members serving as facilitators of the expert group.