Japan’s Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) have announced a new contribution of USD 1.9 million to the United Nations’ Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), the technology implementation body of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This additional funding will enable the CTCN to deliver climate technology technical services in response to developing country requests for medium-scale interventions which exceed USD 100,000. Such assistance will greatly help countries to accelerate the fulfillment of their nationally determined contribution (NDC) set under the Paris Agreement. 

Japan is committed to providing strong support to developing countries as they work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) that cause climate change and to adapt to a changing climate. Technology solutions play an important role in creating a virtuous cycle between environmental protection and economic growth, and the CTCN has successfully facilitated the rapid transfer of climate technologies in nearly 90 countries through its extensive global network. This new funding marks six consecutive years of Japan’s support for the CTCN, totaling USD 8.5 million.

“The government of Japan has been one of the CTCN’s most important partners since its establishment. Through financial support and coordination of pro-bono assistance by Japanese technology providers, both the METI and the Ministry of Environment have provided invaluable aid to the CTCN, enabling it to serve many countries’ technology needs as they strive to meet their climate change goals. We look forward to further expanding our global reach through this cooperation,” said CTCN Deputy Director Tomoo Machiba.

One such example of this partnership is in Thailand, where with Japan’s backing, the CTCN is assisting the Thai government in identifying energy-efficient street lighting technologies for municipalities where public lighting accounts for 60-70% of total electricity consumption. Along with determining the best technical solutions, the CTCN is designing financial mechanisms to enable their implementation. This project is expected to help reduce 1,700 tons of GHG emissions every year and assist Thailand in meeting its Nationally Determined Contribution to reduce the country’s energy consumption by 30% below the 2010 level by 2036.

Likewise, in the Caribbean small island state of Antigua and Barbuda where 95% of buildings were heavily damaged during recent hurricanes, the CTCN is working with the government to reconstruct public buildings to withstand severe weather so that key agencies such as hospitals and police can continue to provide critical services during extreme climate events.