Ireland will donate €3 million to assist Pacific island nations threatened by climate change, Climate and Environment Minister Darragh O’Brien announced during UN Climate Week in New York.
Speaking at the international climate summit, Minister O’Brien said Ireland was “delighted” to make the funding available, describing the pledge as reflecting “Ireland’s increasing partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum.”
The donation comes as Pacific island nations face mounting challenges from rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events linked to climate change. Many of these small island developing states are among the most vulnerable to climate impacts despite contributing minimal greenhouse gas emissions globally.
The funding will support climate adaptation and resilience measures for Pacific communities whose livelihoods, infrastructure, and in some cases entire territories face existential threats from sea-level rise and intensifying storms.
Minister O’Brien also announced additional funding of €3 million to support people in Sudan, where ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis affecting millions of civilians.
The announcements form part of Ireland’s broader international climate finance commitments and humanitarian aid efforts. The government has increasingly positioned climate action as a foreign policy priority, recognizing the disproportionate impact of global warming on developing nations.
Pacific island nations have been vocal advocates for ambitious climate action at international forums, often highlighting the urgency of limiting global temperature rises to prevent catastrophic impacts on their communities.
The funding pledge demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to supporting climate-vulnerable countries as part of international efforts to address the climate crisis and its humanitarian consequences.