Are you leading a project that addresses climate change? We want to hear from you!
The United Nations Climate Change secretariat is now accepting applications for the 2016 Momentum for Change Awards to showcase action and ambition as national governments work toward implementing the historic Paris Agreement.
Selected initiatives, called ‘Lighthouse Activities,’ shine a light on innovative, scalable and replicable examples of what people are doing to address climate change, in the hope of inspiring others to act. They will be recognized and celebrated during a series of special events in November at the UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech, Morocco.
“Now that countries have agreed to an unprecedented global treaty to combat climate change, it is time to unleash action and investment towards a low-emission, resilient and sustainable future,” said Nick Nuttall, UNFCCC Spokesperson.
“The solutions awarded by Momentum for Change show that concrete, results-driven action on climate change is already underway around the world. They also serve as a beacon to inspire governments and other key actors to take similar action.”
Who can apply?
Organizations, cities, businesses, governments and other key players that are taking concrete action on climate change can apply to have their projects recognized as a 2016 Lighthouse Activity.
Why should you apply?
If your project is selected, you’ll receive a wide range of benefits, including:
- Attendance to the 2016 UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech, Morocco (COP 22)
- Access to policy makers and potential funders during the conference
- Public recognition by the UN Climate Change secretariat
- Public relations support and media training
- High-quality promotional videos and podcasts
- Graphic assets such as infographics and professional photography
- A dedicated page about your project on our website
How to apply?
To apply, you’ll need to first register in our application portal. It will take at least an hour to complete an application but you can save your progress at any time and work on it at your convenience. Completed applications must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on 25 April 2016.
What are the categories?
The 2016 Momentum for Change Lighthouse Activities will recognize climate action that is already achieving real results in three key areas. Watch our short videos and visit our website to learn more about each category:
Women for Results: Learn how women play a leadership role when it comes to tackling climate change.
Financing for Climate Friendly Investment: Learn how innovation is playing a key role in unlocking financial resources for climate change initiatives.
ICT Solutions: Learn how information and communications technology (ICT) can reduce energy use, cut greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate change.
How are the winners chosen?
The Momentum for Change Advisory Panel, made up of senior experts from various fields and countries, will select the 2016 Lighthouse Activities. The panel is part of the secretariat’s Momentum for Change initiative, which operates in partnership with Masdar’s Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) initiative, theWorld Economic Forum Global Project on Climate Change and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative.
Discover last year’s winners At the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, we celebrated 16 inspiring projects as winners of the Momentum for Change Awards. They include a seriously cool smartphone that puts social values first and an initiative that is enabling 40 Latin American cities to take concrete climate action.
Others include a women-led initiative in Benin that uses solar energy to empower women farmers and an internal carbon fee that holds the business units of one of the world’s most famous software and ICT companies financially responsible for reducing their carbon emissions.
All are all shining examples of climate solutions.
The 16 initiatives were honoured at a special ceremony filled with powerful photos, inspirational videos and a lively musical performance by Grammy award-winning artist Sean Paul. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke at the event, telling the standing-room only crowd that the bold ideas of the Lighthouse Activities can inspire leaders to be more ambitious in their own policies and actions.
Winners of the 2015 Momentum for Change Award appear on stage in Paris, France, at a special showcase event at COP 21
In the news
Fairphone, one of the winners from 2015, produces a smartphone that improves lives and the environment
Previous winners of our Momentum for Change Award have been making headlines. Here are a few of our favourite stories:
Fairphone 2 Review: The World’s First Modular Smartphone Will Last You for Years
Newsweek
Do you know about Ghana’s eco-friendly bamboo bikes? We’re ordering one!
India Today
The ATMs bringing cheap, safe water to Nairobi’s slums
The Guardian
| Apply online now!
Applications for the 2016 Momentum for Change Awards are being accepted from 19 February until 25 April 2016 at http://momentum.unfccc.int/ |
| For more information, please contact:
Nick Nuttall, UNFCCC Spokesperson Sarah Marchildon, UNFCCC Communications Officer |
