Climate finance

Global warming is indiscriminate. Unfortunately, it impacts some countries more than others, and often hits hardest those with the least capacity to cope.

Wealthy countries like Australia have a responsibility to support others in our region that are more exposed to the rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather that accompanies climate change. One way that this support can be delivered is through climate finance – money invested in activities that help to reduce carbon pollution and build human and ecosystem resilience to global warming.

WWF is committed to finding new ways for Australia to invest in activities that deliver long-term benefits to people and nature.

What we're doing

Climate Cash podcast series

This exciting three-part podcast series is a first for WWF-Australia. It offers insights into Solomon Islands, which made headlines in early 2016 when five of its islands disappeared under rising sea levels and erosion. Spokespeople from some of Australia's top businesses, governments and non-government organisations also describe how they’re helping our neighbours adapt to and mitigate against climate change.

Climate Finance Roundtable

WWF-Australia has spearheaded the establishment of the Climate Finance Roundtable alongside the Department of Foreign Affairs, Oxfam Australia and the Australian Council for International Development. It brings together governments, businesses and other not-for-profit organisations to find new ways to finance efforts to build the resilience of countries vulnerable to climate change. This includes using new financial instruments, such as green bonds, making direct investments into renewable energy, and supporting the Green Climate Fund. The roundtable is open to additional participants.

Why it matters

Poorer countries account for a relatively small proportion of global carbon pollution, yet they often bear the brunt of global warming. This is particularly true for some of Australia's closest Pacific and Asian neighbours.

Some of these countries are the most vulnerable to extreme weather, sea-level rise and drought. Regional economic losses associated with extreme weather events in 2014, alone, amounted to over US$1.5 billion and climate change is exacerbating the frequency and severity of such events.

As a wealthy nation that has strong social and economic ties within the region, Australia has a responsibility to help.