Press release
Deadline of 15 May for new Youth Climate Justice Fund worth almost €500,000
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
Minister Zappone has reminded national youth organisations that the deadline for applications to the new Youth Climate Justice Fund is 15 May.
Last month, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, announced the fund to support youth-led action and innovation on Climate Justice at community, regional and national level. The Youth Climate Justice Fund will total almost €500,000 in 2020, and is open to applications from all national youth organisations for initiatives being run in 2020. For more information see here.
In its inaugural year, the Minister is mindful that the Fund must support initiatives which tackle the climate crisis while taking account of the COVID-19 crisis. While this is an added challenge, she notes the innovative spirit of young people and youth organisations and hopes that the Fund will harness that spirit.
Reflecting on the Fund, Minister Zappone said:
“After attending the UN General Assembly Session of 2019, when the youth of the world raised their voices about the climate crisis for world leaders to hear, I was determined to support Irish youth to take their lead on action for climate justice. This Fund will do precisely that. Its intention is to support the enthusiasm and innovative ideas of our young people to target this crucial issue of our time. It is my hope that this fund can grow as young people embrace it and use it to effect positive change. It is also my hope that the fund represents a positive, proactive initiative for young people in these present difficult times. I would encourage everyone to view and share the video that was filmed to support the Fund.”
Applications to the Fund should propose projects which will achieve one, or more, of the following key goals or actions:
ENDS
Climate change is deeply inequitable. Those who have contributed least to carbon emissions often suffer the most. This has given rise to the concept of climate justice which frames global warming as an ethical and political issue rather than one that is purely environmental or physical in nature.
It was defined by the Mary Robinson Foundation as follows:
"Climate justice links human rights and development to achieve a human-centred approach, safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable and sharing the burdens and benefits of climate change and its resolution equitably and fairly.”
Please note that the video to support this Fund was filmed prior to physical distancing advice being issued by public health authorities.