Momentum for Change Annual Report 2018

Chapter I

Overview

For the past nine years, UN Climate Change’s Momentum for Change initiative has been shining a light on global climate action by citizens, organizations, businesses and governments.

Each year, we recognize some of the most innovative and impactful action happening throughout the world. We refer to these as “Lighthouse Activities” and the Momentum for Change 2018 Annual Report highlights 15 such activities and projects.
Patricia Espinosa — UNFCCC Executive Secretary

Read the full statement

2018 in Brief

Learn more about our four focus areas from these influential thought leaders. In 2018, Momentum for Change had the following focus areas: Women for Results, Planetary Health, Climate Neutral Now and Financing for Climate Friendly Investment.

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Narrated by

Sir David Attenborough

Momentum for Change 2018 Lighthouse Activities — Narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

2018’s four focus areas

Planetary Health

Narrated by Sir David Attenborough

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Climate Neutral Now

Narrated by Caspar Lee, Influencer

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Women for Results

Narrated by Aka Niviâna, Poet and Writer

Play video Explore

Financing for Climate Friendly Investment

Narrated by Bertrand Piccard, Solar Impulse CEO and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador

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Concrete Solutions

Momentum for Change recognized concrete solutions to address climate change in 2018. The following facts tell the story of our success.

Submissions by Pillar and State

Momentum for Change received a record total of 569 applications in 2018. Of those applications, 331 were considered eligible. From 331 applications, 15 were selected as Lighthouse Activities.

submissions

eligible

shortlisted

selected

Planetary Health

184 total submissions

Climate Neutral Now

147 total submissions

Women for Results

130 total submissions

Climate Finance

108 total submissions

Submissions by Region

The eligible applications received in 2018 came from around the world, with the majority from Africa and Asia-Pacific. The 15 Lighthouse Activities reflect this geographical balance, with winners representing five continents.

Africa

79 submissions

Asia Pacific

78 submissions

Europe

38 submissions

North America

18 submissions

Latin America & Caribbean

44 submissions

Multi Region

70 submissions

Application process

A look back at the application process, from start to finish.

Overall Applications

Eligible Applications

Lighthouse Activities

22 FEBRUARY
Call for applications opened. Read article →

30 APRIL
Call for applications closed.

23 JULY
Advisory Panel selected the Lighthouse Activities.

27 SEPTEMBER
Lighthouse Activities announced at a special event during Climate Week in New York City. Read article →

10-13 DECEMBER
Lighthouse Activities celebrated at the UN Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland.

Selection Criteria

In order to be considered eligible, all 2018 activities needed to go through a selection process. Here’s the principles that have been followed.

Be scalable or replicable

Already be implemented or in the course of implementation

Address climate change mitigation or adaptation

Be innovative and/or demonstrate potential for long-term transformational change

Deliver verifiable social and environmental benefits

Not be registered as a CDM or JI activity

Momentum for Change is an initiative spearheaded by the UN Climate Change secretariat to shine a light on the enormous groundswell of activities underway across the globe that are moving the world toward a highly resilient, low-carbon future. Momentum for Change recognizes innovative and transformative solutions that address both climate change and wider economic, social and environmental challenges.

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