Ireland is to donate €3m(US$3.53 million) to assist Pacific islands at threat from climate change.
Climate and environment minister Darragh O’Brien made the announcement at UN Climate Week in New York, saying in a speech that Ireland is “delighted” to make the money available.
He said that the pledge “reflects Ireland’s increasing partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum”.
There are around 40 small island nations (SIDs) grouped by the UN which share sustainable development challenges. While they represent around 1 percent of the Earth’s population, their remote geography makes the challenges of climate change particularly acute, according to the UN.
The money is part of an overall fundraising target of US$500m for adaptation funding across the islands.
O’Brien said in his speech that those countries must not be asked to face the challenges of climate change alone.
“A key ask from the Pacific has been climate finance for adaptation measures, which is therefore now a focus of Ireland’s climate diplomacy and financing in the region.
“SIDs must not face climate challenges alone. The international community needs solutions to address the impact of climate change on those most impacted,” he said.
