The Hidden Impact of International Aid Cuts

I’m concerned about the retreat of wealthy nations from climate funding and here’s why.

Last week saw the UK government’s reduction from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income in foreign aid commitment, coupled with the US administration’s proposed 2025 budget cuts to climate finance. It is a sad moment for our sector to see two of the world’s wealthiest nations step back from their responsibilities at a critical moment – when climate disasters are intensifying and immediate action is crucial.

Rainforests and the communities that protect them need your support now more than ever.

Does this impact Cool Earth?

Cool Earth’s model is built on the generous support of individuals, businesses and foundations. But, and there’s a big but – we’re acutely aware of the secondary effects rippling through the philanthropic world. Now, more than ever, we have to navigate an increasingly competitive funding environment.

Not only that, this bilateral withdrawal threatens to undermine decades of progress. These nations, once climate action leaders, are now stepping back just as the science demands stepping forward.

This approach is flawed and for obvious reasons; it’s shortsighted.
I don’t know one effective climate organisation that doesn’t need good investment from a diverse range of funders to deliver impactful programmes that ensure the needs of vulnerable communities are met.

Communities in the Peruvian Amazon currently facing severe flooding that need support

Shortsighted budget cuts

Complacency about climate finance cuts can damage the very ecosystems we’re trying to protect. Perhaps even more alarming is how governments continue to spend limitless amounts on defence and fossil fuel subsidies.

Substantial climate funding is the foundation we need to tackle these enormous challenges.

For environmental work to succeed we need innovation and risk-taking. We need space to test approaches. We need consistent financial support. We need to attract top talent to solve complex problems. And yes, we need governments to honour their climate commitments.

That is how you address the climate crisis, not by slashing budgets.

An extensive forest fire in a tropical rainforest. These are becoming ever more frequent.

The unfair responsibility on already stretched individuals

There are alternatives, of course. Private donors and corporations could fill funding gaps. Although hugely important for charities like ours, this approach reinforces the dangerous idea that governments can shirk their responsibilities and leave climate action to the private sector.

Yes, climate organisations can adapt to government funding cuts and yes we can compete harder for limited resources, but the rate of tropical deforestation continues to accelerate and forests need help more than ever before.

A step forward, together

When governments retreat from their climate responsibilities, we must step forward together with even greater determination.

If we do this, we can ensure that rainforest communities remain empowered to protect the most effective carbon capture technology we have – trees – for generations to come.

Have some thoughts on this article? Get in touch with me here.

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