Ireland has significantly increased its climate and environmental finance, reaching a record €159.2 million in 2023, a 32% rise from €120.8 million in 2022. This funding supports climate action and environmental protection in developing countries, particularly those most vulnerable to climate change.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, emphasized that this substantial increase underscores Ireland’s commitment to assisting communities facing the most severe climate impacts. He noted that the 2024 climate year was the warmest on record, highlighting the urgency of supporting adaptation efforts in the Global South.
The majority of Ireland’s climate finance—79% of bilateral funding and over 84% of support through Irish civil society organizations—was directed to Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Notably, 86% of the total climate finance focused on adaptation measures, with 66% dedicated solely to adaptation and 20% targeting both adaptation and mitigation.
Ireland’s climate finance is provided by several government departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (€105.7 million), the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (€24.1 million), the Department of Finance (€23.9 million), and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (€5.5 million).
This funding aligns with Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap, which aims to provide at least €225 million annually by 2025. The roadmap expands support to areas such as ocean protection, enhancing biodiversity, and responding to climate-induced loss and damage.
For more detailed information, the full report is available on Ireland.ie.
