A new fund offering grants of up to €300,000 to Irish companies, NGOs and researchers working on climate issues in developing countries was launched by the Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy T.D.
The Irish Aid Enterprise Fund for International Climate Action is aimed at Irish organisations, working alone or as part of international partnerships, who will be invited to submit proposals for climate related activities with a commercial or enterprise aspect. A total fund of €1m is available, with individual grants capped at €300,000.
Launching the fund, Minister Brophy said:
Irish Aid and our partners work hard to support climate action in developing countries but the level of action needed means we need all hands on deck. Climate change is the greatest challenge that we face. We must pull out all the stops.”
The private sector, as well as researchers and NGOs, have an important role to play in both supporting and delivering climate action. The Irish Aid Enterprise Fund for International Climate Action will allow Irish Aid to engage Irish entrepreneurship, talent, experience and knowledge in support of climate action for those who need it most.
Minister of State, Anne Rabbitte said
Minister of State Anne Rabbitte said:
As part of the European Green Deal, the European Climate Pact aims to be an open and inclusive initiative to engage citizens and communities in action for our climate and environment.
I meet many climate dispairers who say ‘I admit it happens, but I can’t do much about it”. This is why it is so important to start from the ground up, to go to the local level, to talking the language of the local, we need to empower the local patriots.
Climate Crisis stewardship, education, awareness campaigns is at the centre of all our
I work closely with Galway Wild Geese who are working closely with the EU with the goal of creating climate smart communities in East Galway, with clear measurable key performance indicators, practical measures that individuals can take to make a difference. There is a big education and empowerment piece. Climate Crisis stewardship, education, awareness campaigns will be at the centre of all our campaigns.
Particular consideration will be given to activities targeting:
• Climate action taking place in Least Developed Countries or Small Island Developing States;
• Clean energy – including clean cooking – projects that reach the community-level;
• Climate action with an adaptation focus;
• Climate action that supports oceans and sustainable blue economy;
• Climate action with cross cutting impacts for gender and/or biodiversity.
The Fund will support a variety of activities, including project funding, research and feasibility studies. The fund will also support capacity building and knowledge exchange activities between organisations in Ireland and developing countries.
The private sector plays an integral role in financing the climate response. According to the Climate Policy Initiative Global Landscape of Climate Finance 2021, private finance for climate action reached $340 billion globally in 2020. However, it is crucial that private sector engagement in climate action increases. By 2030 annual climate finance of $4.35 trillion will be required to reach our climate objectives.
Further details on eligibility and the application form can be accessed at Irish Aid Enterprise Fund for International Climate Action – Department of Foreign Affairs
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