Climate, food, environment and energy
Financing schemes against climate-related disasters are an innovative way of financing climate adaptation in recipient countries. Norad acquired knowledge about the subject and a survey of various arrangements. Based on this, Norad entered into agreement with the African Bank in support of the Africa Disaster Risk Financing Program. Norwegian funding enables African countries to better insure against climate-related disasters such as drought, floods or tornadoes, and contributes to preventive work in recipient countries.
Why
Climate change, loss of natural diversity, food security and access to energy are key challenges that threaten sustainable development globally. The natural crisis threatens human welfare, especially in poor countries that depend on local natural resources for survival. Tropical forests, which provide livelihoods for millions, are being destroyed, leading to large greenhouse gas emissions and loss of biodiversity. Changes in land use, overfishing, pollution and climate change are the main causes of biodiversity loss. Increased use of renewable energy sources is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure access to energy for the 600 million people who lack electricity.
What
Norwegian aid supports the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems, including rainforests and marine areas and includes capacity building, combating environmental crime and support for local biodiversity plans. Within energy, access to renewable energy, efficient energy use and the transition from fossil to renewable energy are central themes, in addition to supporting climate adaptation and low-emission development. The aid also includes sustainable marine management and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Through NICFI (Norway's International Climate and Forest Initiative), aid is focused on sustainable forest management to reduce deforestation and forest destruction in developing countries. This helps to slow down climate change, preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
Where
Norwegian aid in this field is global, but with a particular focus on tropical forest lands in Asia, Africa and Latin America through the NICFI programme. Projects for natural diversity are supported in countries such as Indonesia, Brazil, Peru, Guyana, DR Congo and Colombia, in collaboration with large environmental funds and civil society organisations. The Energy for Development program mainly targets sub-Saharan Africa, with specific projects in Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Nepal, Somalia and Tanzania.