A training programme aimed at reducing harmful emissions from shipping has won financial support in the first Irish Aid Enterprise Fund for International Climate Action.
Dublin City University’s (DCU) school of law and governance, which is leading the study on training in “market-based mechanisms” for cutting shipping emissions, was one of four recipients of grant-aid from the new fund.
The fund was launched earlier this year to support Irish organisations to engage in climate action, with a commercial or enterprise focus in developing countries.
Details of the successful recipients were announced by Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid Colm Brophy late last week.
Shipping and aviation each account for only about 4% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions, according to the European Parliament.
However, the two transport sectors have been the fastest-growing sources of climate-harmful emissions, due to record traffic growth in volume of trade and passenger numbers.
The European Parliament is currently working on proposals to reduce emissions from ships and planes, to meet a 55 per cent cut in EU emissions by 2030 and “zero” emissions by 2050.
The three other successful recipients of the Irish Aid Enterprise Fund included FoodCloud for a pilot study of a “technology-led solution” to food waste in Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and Ghana.
Action Ireland Trust secured funding for a programme of supports for entrepreneurs working in sustainable construction in Lesotho, while Concern Worldwide was awarded for a community-led entrepreneurship programme in Malawi.
“I am extremely proud of this fund,” Mr Brophy said, speaking at the Africa Ireland Economic Forum last week.
“The private sector has a vital role to play in delivering climate action. This fund has allowed us to tap into the wealth of talent and expertise in the Irish market to support important climate action,” he said.
“I am delighted to be able to announce funding to four fantastic organisations to allow them to deliver much-needed climate action in developing countries,” Mr Brophy added.
