Denmark pledges $10 million to support Small Island Developing States in fight against climate change

Small Island Developing States and the Least Developed Countries will be hit hardest by climate change. In recognition of this, Denmark is launching support for initiatives targeting the specific challenges of Small Island Developing States.

Minister for Development Cooperation, Flemming Møller Mortensen, states:

“When sea levels rise, Small Island Developing States are the first to feel it. As the Maldivian foreign minister recently told me, their highest point is only 2.5 meters above sea level. This means that the Maldivians do not have anywhere to seek shelter in case of storm surges, and that their land mass decreases as sea levels rise. We must help the most vulnerable Small Island Developing States. I am glad that Denmark is contributing approx. $10 million (75 million DKK) towards climate action in the Small Island Developing States. Time is running, which is why Denmark is taking action in securing sufficient climate finance for the Small Island Developing States, and pushing for better and faster access.

The Danish pledge of approx. $10 million (DKK 75 million) is announced following a meeting between the Danish Prime Minister and a group of island nations during the UN General Assembly taking place this week in New York. The new Danish funding will be implemented by a climate fund, which supports adaptation efforts of islands states, among other activities. An example is improving weather data and early warning systems to strengthen adaptation and reducing risk of climate-induced loss and damage. Supporting the fund also demonstrates leadership, and Denmark will encourage likeminded countries to follow suit.

Background

The Danish DKK 75 million pledge will go to the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) operating under the Global Environment Facility, with expected commitments made in 2023-2024. Denmark is also joining the Call to Action on SIDS Access to Finance, and will be a champion of more and faster access to climate finance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Denmark will also initiate concrete support, in the range of $1.3 million, targeted towards capacity building of SIDS in order to improve their access to global financing mechanisms, e.g. the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

 

For further information:

Press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +45 67 97 92 47 (text messages not possible)