Addressing climate change effectively is not only a challenge, it is also an opportunity. Growth
that is based on high resilience and low carbon is at the centre of all efforts to address climate
change. There are myriad opportunities to benefit people directly, while at the same time contributing
to global efforts to control emissions or enhance adaptation capacity, and these opportunities have
already been seized by many stakeholders, at national or sub- national levels.
The idea of addressing climate change by looking for positive opportunities is often lost amongst the
challenges of limited capacity, resources and political will.
Therefore, the UNFCCC secretariat has developed the concept of 'Momentum for Change' as a way
to demonstrate the multiple benefits of addressing climate change and to transform misperceptions
surrounding taking action on climate change. The secretariat believes that highlighting and enhancing
the positive developments in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation, will increase
innovation, motivation, hope, passion and capacity for further change. Change can be positive and
positive change can create escalating virtuous cycles.
Momentum for Change currently has three pillars:
Urban Poor: recognizing
activities addressing climate change while improving the lives of the urban poor, implemented with
the generous support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation;
Women for Results:
recognizing the critical leadership and participation of women in addressing climate change,
implemented with the generous support of the Rockefeller Foundation;
Financing for
Climate-Friendly Investment: recognizing successful financial innovations for adaptation and
climate mitigation, implemented in partnership with the World Economic Forum.
Momentum for Change will continue to evolve over time, focusing on various important aspects of the
overall global climate change effort.
The UNFCCC secretariat is building Momentum for Change.
People, companies, organizations and communities everywhere around the world are making the Change
for Good
Press Release:
2012 Lighthouse Activities