Save the Children has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that Australia will rejoin the Green Climate Fund, the world's largest dedicated climate fund that finances significant climate adaptation projects in developing nations.
Australia played a key role in establishing the multilateral Green Climate Fund (GCF), contributing $200 million between 2015-2020 before withdrawing from the mechanism.
Australia’s reengagement with the fund is essential, as the GCF is the primary global climate finance mechanism with a proven track record of delivering large scale finance to priority issues, including in the Pacific.
“Climate change is endangering the lives of children in developing countries around the world, including in the Pacific, every single day,” Save the Children Pacific Regional Director Kim Koch said.
Rising sea levels, more damaging cyclones, and higher temperatures are just some of the challenges that the climate crisis is bringing to the doorstep of Pacific communities.
“As a major global emitter, Australia has a responsibility to contribute to the solutions for children, families and communities who are worst affected by this mounting crisis.
“There are many ways Australians can contribute to the global climate change fight, including through bilateral arrangements with our partners in the Pacific, and by supporting dedicated mechanisms like the GCF with a proven track record. Today’s announcement will help to improve Australia’s reputation as a country genuinely committed to addressing the worst impacts of the climate change in our region and globally.
“Australia should also follow through on that commitment by making a substantial contribution to the Green Climate Fund, especially after a prolonged absence.
“A pledge of at least $400 million in 2023 would place Australia in line with other donors to the fund, many of which have all doubled their previous commitments.”
Save the Children Australia is partnering with the GCF in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on major locally led adaption projects to improve climate resilience, directly reaching 275,000 people in rural and remote communities across the two countries.
The US$31.8 million Solomon Islands project includes measures such as the incorporation of a climate change curriculum in schools, support for youth entrepreneurs to create new resilient livelihood opportunities, and improving school resilience to climate change impacts.
In Vanuatu, the US$32.6 million project assists communities to adapt to the growing threat of climate change by boosting access to information; providing technical assistance and equipment to support climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries; and improving livelihood opportunities for rural and remote communities.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Holly Robertson on 0414546656 or media.team@savethechildren.org.au.
NOTES TO EDITORS
- The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the world’s largest dedicated climate fund. GCF’s mandate is to foster a paradigm shift towards low emission, climate resilient development pathways in developing countries. GCF has a portfolio of projects and programmes across more than 100 countries. It also has a readiness support programme to build capacity and help countries develop long-term plans to fight climate change. GCF is an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and serves the 2015 Paris Agreement, supporting the goal of keeping average global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius.
- Save the Children Australia in 2019 became the first development and humanitarian international NGO to be accredited by the GCF, allowing the organisation to partner with developing countries and apply for project funding. Save the Children Australia leverages its global network of specialist technical advisers working in climate change, disaster risk reduction, health, water and sanitation, livelihoods, agriculture, and food security to develop and deliver climate programs.