Momentum for Change is an initiative spearheaded by the UN Climate Change secretariat United Nations Forums on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It provides a public platform to highlight broad-ranging climate change actions that are already achieving real results on the ground.
Since 2011, 38 ‘lighthouse activities’ addressed areas such as urban poverty, Women for Results, Finance and Climate Friendly Investment were awarded and implemented through various foundations and initiatives. These activities shine light on the most inspiring and transformational mitigation and adaptation activities. The Momentum for Change Lighthouse Activity winners come from different parts of the world and they are supported not with a cash prize, but with a package that focuses on providing winners with access to knowledge, expertise and networks. On their interactive map you can discover the location and more details of the awarded activities. In 2013, a fourth focus area was launched: ICT Solutions, implemented in partnership with the Global e-Sustainability Initiative.
GeSI’s SMARTer2020 report demonstrates how the increased use of ICTs, which facilitate areas such as video conferencing and smart building management, could cut the projected 2020 global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 16.5 percent, amounting to 1.9 trillion USD in gross energy and fuel savings and a reduction of 9.1 Gigatonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) of greenhouse gases. This is equivalent to more than seven times the ICT sector’s emissions in the same period.
Are you part of a climate change initiative that is making a difference on the ground or contributing to transformational change? Communities, cities, businesses and governments that are taking concrete action to address climate change can apply online for the chance to have your initiative recognized as a 2014 Lighthouse Activity. Visit www.momentum4change.org for details. Applications are being accepted from 31 March to 23 May.
