Canada announced $2 million to fund climate-capacity building in developing countries

MARRAKECH, Morocco, Nov. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Canada's Environment and Climate Change Minister, Catherine McKenna, announced that the Government of Canada will contribute $2 million to the National Adaptation Plans (NAP) Global Network to support the poorest and most vulnerable countries' efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

This funding will empower developing countries by giving them the tools to develop effective, home-grown solutions to adapt to the effects of climate change, including by building climate-change adaptation considerations into their policy, planning, and decision-making. This funding is crucial to helping individual countries and communities deal with the many impacts of climate change that disproportionately affect women, the poor, and those who rely on agriculture to make a living.

This contribution is part of Canada's pledge of $2.65 billion over five years to support developing countries in their transition to low-carbon economies that are both greener and more resilient. It is the most significant Canadian climate finance contribution to date.

Quote

"Canadians care about helping others in need, and they care about the effects of climate change on the health and security of our most vulnerable global citizens.
Today's $2-million investment will empower more communities in the developing world to put in place the measures they need to adapt to these changes and help their citizens prosper despite these challenges."
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• The NAP Global Network was established in 2014, and its membership has since grown to 34 countries, including Brazil, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, Malawi, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Togo, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• The 2009 Copenhagen Accord committed the developed world to mobilize $100 billion per year to support green growth and climate resilience in developing countries. This funding will create tremendous opportunities for business growth and innovation as companies invest in and market clean technology.
• According to the World Bank, the Paris Agreement helped open up nearly $23 trillion in new opportunities for climate-smart investments in emerging markets, between now and 2030.

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)