26 July 2013: In a bid to reduce emissions of short lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), the International Working Group of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) committed to funding projects focused on clean cook stoves, cleaning up brick kilns, and cutting landfill emissions.

The committment was made at a meeting of the International Working Group of the CCAC held in Mexico City, Mexico, from 22-25 July 2013. CCAC will provide US$1.4 million to support clean cook stoves by supporting regional testing centres to improve performance standards for clean cooks stoves and fuels, and to support the Spark Fund, which provides pre-investment funding to small scale projects that reduce black carbon and SLCPs.

An additional US$1.6 million has also been awarded to supporting the Coalition’s brick kilns initiative. Focused on activities in Asia, the CCAC funding will be used to enhance Asian governments’ awareness of pollution and health issues surrounding old-fashioned brick kilns, assist brick-makers in identifying cleaner designs and technologies, and provide training on emissions monitoring. An additional US$400,000 was committed to assist cities in reducing methane emissions from landfill.

Launched in February 2012, CCAC aims to catalyze action on reducing black carbon, methane, certain hydroflurocarbons (HFCs) and other short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) to maximize agricultural, climate, energy and health benefits. It brings together 66 governments, intergovernmental organizations, representatives from the private sector, the environmental community, and other members of civil society to support solutions for reducing pollutants that are harmful to human health and the climate. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) hosts the Coalition Secretariat. [UNEP Press Release] [CCAC Website] [CCAC Press Release] [Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves Website]