Global food systems account for nearly one-third of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and almost 60% of global biodiversity loss; yet, only 4.3% of climate finance reaches the agrifood sector. In Sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture is a critical source of livelihoods and highly vulnerable to climate change, the gap in finance is particularly acute. Global agrifood systems require a sevenfold increase in climate finance from 2019/20 levels to achieve meaningful mitigation and adaptation outcomes.

The ClimateShot Investor Coalition (CLIC) was formed to tackle this challenge. CLIC is an action-oriented, member-driven group of impact investors in agriculture and food systems, working to scale finance and shift the sector toward low-carbon, climate-resilient pathways by 2030.

CLIC has partnered with the Lab to design an innovative solution to drive climate and nature finance for agrifood systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. The selected solution will demonstrate ways to bridge the financing demand and supply gap, making it easier for businesses and organizations in the region to access the capital they need.

The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office supports the Lab’s Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems window.

Under a high greenhouse gas emissions scenario, the Asia-Pacific region could experience GDP reductions of up to 17% by 2070, with lower-income and fragile economies particularly susceptible to climate-induced disruptions. As a rapidly growing and urbanizing region, it is well-positioned for low-carbon, climate-resilient development. However, substantial investment is required to meet ambitious emissions reduction targets across various sectors, including energy, transportation, and infrastructure.

Climate finance flows in South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific (excluding China) reached USD 153 billion in 2023, but significantly more is needed to meet ambitious emissions reduction targets across various sectors, including energy, transportation, and infrastructure.

With support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the Lab is seeking innovative financial solutions focused on mitigation in the Asia-Pacific region. These solutions will be designed to attract private investment and accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. Applications must target ODA-eligible countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Brazil’s climate targets under the Paris Agreement aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 59% to 67% by 2035, compared to 2005 levels, and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

To meet these goals, Brazil is implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes expanding renewable energy capacity, enhancing forest restoration efforts, and developing a national emissions trading system to attract private sector investment. Additionally, the country is focusing on sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency, and infrastructure projects that align with its climate objectives.

Despite these efforts, securing adequate funding remains a significant challenge.

To support Brazil’s climate goals, the Lab seeks transformative investment solutions to mobilize capital for the country’s national climate priorities. The program is funded by the U.K. Department for Energy Security & Net Zero.

The Indian government’s multiple policy measures and financing solutions reflect the country’s commitment to a greener future. Progress has been made on multiple fronts toward achieving India’s net zero target by 2070.

This includes financing solutions like sovereign green bond issuances in 2024 , targeted EV support through the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 , and decarbonization measures under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The Union Budget 2024 also advanced the transition with measures such as the PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar program for 10 million households and higher allocations for solar and renewable energy.

Increasing private sector investment is essential to driving the country’s growth. However, a lack of access to credit, high risks, poor financing terms, and a lack of innovative financing mechanisms may be limiting India’s investment potential in green sectors.

The Lab is seeking innovative solutions to finance India’s green growth, providing concrete solutions to the unique financing challenges of investment in green sectors in India.

Bloomberg Philanthropies supports the Lab’s India program.

As the most biodiverse region globally, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is highly vulnerable to the increasing impacts of climate change, which threaten the well-being and livelihoods of millions. The region needs strong financial mechanisms to effectively address growing climate risks and support sustainable, climate-resilient development. However, financial flows remain insufficient due to misaligned financing options, a lack of capacity among local financial institutions, and a cautious investment climate.

In response, the Lab LAC regional program seeks one innovative idea focusing on climate adaptation. The submissions should aim to channel investment into projects that build climate resilience, particularly in smaller and more vulnerable markets. The ideas should address specific physical climate risks and outline strategies to mobilize finance for adaptation while avoiding maladaptation. We are particularly interested in solutions that can improve livelihoods, strengthen financial ecosystems, and ensure long-term resilience in LAC countries.

The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, home to abundant natural resources, has a unique role in the global transition towards a net zero economy. However, the region faces significant barriers, particularly in aligning available financial resources with the scale required for impactful climate action. There is also a lack of capacity within local financial institutions to harness climate finance, compounded by a generally risk-averse investment landscape.

The Lab’s regional program for LAC seeks to address these challenges through innovative climate finance solutions. We are calling for ideas that focus on climate mitigation, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the region’s transition to net zero economies. Proposed ideas should demonstrate how they can mobilize private capital to drive significant emission reductions while being financially sustainable and scalable. Solutions should target key barriers to financing climate mitigation projects, with a clear path toward contributing to long-term net zero goals.

The U.K. Department for Energy Security & Net Zero supports the Lab’s LAC program mitigation window.

The Philippines, a nation highly vulnerable to climate hazards with an average of 20 cyclones annually, faces complex social and economic challenges, including a 16.7% poverty rate and aging infrastructure. Despite these pressures, the country is committed to zero poverty by 2040 and sustainable economic growth.

However, increasing losses from extreme weather, such as the 4% GDP hit from Super Typhoon Haiyan, threaten these goals. In response, the Philippines has committed to a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, a goal that requires significant investment.

Adaptation is essential for safeguarding communities, reducing economic disruption, and strengthening resilience to climate shocks. Opportunities exist in areas like flood management, resilient infrastructure, water security, and coastal protection.

The Lab is seeking a financial solution that can mobilize private investment for adaptation projects in the Philippines, with the potential to be scaled across the Asia-Pacific region. This window is supported by the United Nations Development Programme and Global Affairs Canada.