November 10, 2025 • 2 min read
Later today, at the 30th annual United Nations Climate Change conference (COP30) in the Brazilian city of Belem, Member States will commence negotiations on climate funding. GOAL welcomes Ireland’s Climate Finance agenda which identifies the connection between gender inequality and climate and the need to address it. Ireland has also promoted climate grants over loans. As positive as this is, there is more to do.
GOAL urges the Irish Government to:
- Recognise the importance of indigenous community voices in the climate debate and promote inclusivity
- Call for realistic ‘Loss and Damage Funds’ to meet the needs of those who are directly impacted by climate change
- Promote direct pathways for communities to access funding which will not add to increased country debt
- Continue to support and fund anticipatory action and encourage member States to follow by example
Speaking in advance of the COP30 negotiations, GOAL’s new CEO, Jennifer Farrelly said,
“The typhoon in the Philippines and the deadly tornado in Southern Brazil this weekend are stark reminders of how detrimental unpredictable weather patterns has on the lives of people across the world.”
“When the scale of the climate crisis is that great, doing more of the same will never be enough. That is why GOAL has placed innovation at the centre of our work. GOAL’s Innovation Hub is a space where new ideas can take root and be tested in real humanitarian settings. Out of that hub has come early warning systems which has led to saving entire villages from flooding in Niger and beyond.”
On meaningful negotiations, Jennifer Farrelly continued,
“Placing real value on indigenous communities’ knowledge is a must. Their voices belong in the climate debate, not just in sharing information around weather patterns but also when negotiating the price tag on damage compensation. Anticipatory action in the form of early warning systems saves lives and protects livelihoods. GOAL welcomes continued investment in anticipatory action to protect communities before a crisis escalates in hazardous environments. It makes sense. It is less costly both in terms of lives and in delivering humanitarian aid.”
From the droughts of the Horn of Africa to the aftermath of earthquakes in Haiti, to the growing impact of climate change in Central America, GOAL has stood and will continue to stand alongside some of the world most vulnerable communities in their most challenging moments.
