Charity gets UN nod
Save the Children Australia has become the first socially focused non-government organisation to join the United Nations' Green Climate Fund.
The Australian charity has received the backing of the UN’s green bank, allowing it to access up to $73 million per project for new projects to help communities deal with the social impact of climate change, such as ensuring they have food, clean water and food security.
Save the Children is already working closely with the Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands governments on local projects, which would then go to the GCF for funding.
Save the Children Australia is the local arm of the global charity, but is the only outlet to be part of the GCF.
The charity's CEO Paul Ronalds said climate change will exacerbate deadly disasters worldwide.
“It will also intensify conflict, displacement and migration,” he told AAP.
“Children will, without a shadow of a doubt, be among the most vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change.”
The Federal Government was involved in setting up the GCF, but since Scott Morrison became PM, Australia has not put money towards it.
Instead, Australia redirected $500 million of existing foreign aid to help with infrastructure projects.
Save the Children Australia wants Mr Morrison to get back onboard.
“The impact of climate change is already being felt across our region,” Mr Ronalds said.
“Save the Children is urging the Australian government to re-engage and restart our contribution to the Green Climate Fund.”
The fund holds about $14 billion from a total of 27 countries.