To the South: Austria pays 35 million euros for climate protection

20 million euros will go to the ‘Adaptation Fund’, which supports adaptation projects in countries in the global south that are particularly affected by the climate crisis. Twelve additional million euros are intended for the World Food Program in the Sahel zone, the remaining three million will go to “CREWS – Climate Risk Early Warning Systems.” This is a financing mechanism that supports projects in least developed countries and small island developing States. Financial support has been provided for setting up early warning services.

“Adaptation is important, but one thing is clear: if we do not combat the climate crisis, the time will come when adaptation is no longer possible. It is fossil fuels that are warming our climate. That is why we are also called to initiate a real energy transformation. In renewable energy sources – and quickly and consistently from fossils (…),” said Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens).

WWF: “Adjustment is a neglected stepchild”
“Adaptation to the consequences of the climate crisis has so far been the neglected stepchild of the world climate conferences (…). The increased Austrian contribution is therefore an important step towards the goal of doubling adaptation financing,” said WWF climate spokesperson Thomas Zehetner. Greenpeace also said that the world community agreed on this goal at the climate conference in Glasgow. Austria’s contribution is “an important step towards delivering on this promise.”

In April, the Ministry of the Environment announced that it would increase Austria’s contribution to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The financing for the coming period 2024 to 2027 will be increased to 160 million euros. In the current period this is 130 million euros.