Sweden increases its contribution to climate change adaptation in the most vulnerable countries
At the opening of the COP21 climate conference in Paris today, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven will announce the Government’s intention to provide an additional SEK 250 million in support for climate change adaptation to the poorest and most vulnerable developing countries. This contribution encompasses SEK 150 million to the Adaptation Fund and SEK 100 million to the Least Developed Countries Fund. For developing countries, financing for climate change adaptation is one of the most important issues in the negotiations.
Financing for climate change adaptation is extremely important, particularly for small island nations and least developed countries that are already forced to deal with the consequences of climate change. This support shows that Sweden is taking great responsibility and continuing to lead the way in support to the most vulnerable countries, says Minister for International Development Cooperation Isabella Lövin.
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) observes that the effects of the climate-related extreme weather events of recent years, including heat waves, droughts, flooding, cyclones, and forest and brush fires, show how vulnerable and exposed societies and ecosystems really are. People living in poverty are particularly vulnerable. Preventive measures and adapting societies to climate change are crucial to save lives and safeguard opportunities to earn a living.
The Adaptation Fund offers support to measures to, for example, develop climate-resilient agricultural methods, warning systems and flood defences, and secure access to water, while the LDCF primarily focuses on supporting the least developed countries in preparing and implementing national action plans for climate change adaptation.
The support announced today supplements previous support from Sweden. Sweden is the largest per capita donor to the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility, and also contributes to climate financing in various developing countries via the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
COP21 in Paris begins today, 30 November, and is scheduled to continue until 11 December. Sweden’s ambition is that the negotiations will result in a global, fair and legally binding climate agreement that over time helps keep global warming as far below two degrees as possible.
Contact
Annika Flensburg
Press Secretary to Minister for International Development Cooperation Isabella Lövin
Phone (switchboard) +46 (0)8-405 10 00
Mobile +46 72 212 45 09
email to Annika Flensburg