Europe
Accelerating Europe’s transition to a greener society and sustainable future that works for everyone.
Introduction
In Europe, CIFF works with governments, non-profit organisations, the private sector, other funders and communities to turn climate ambition into tangible benefits for society. We support work that delivers for people and the planet, aligning with European leadership and broad public support for action.
Investment case
Europe has established itself as a global leader in sustainability, demonstrating how economic growth can be decoupled from greenhouse gas emissions. This is delivering tangible benefits – from cleaner air and improved public health to the rise of innovative green technology that can reduce the impact of climate change.
Achieving this green transition will create rewards for every section of society and ensure the continent is a safe, prosperous home for children. Here are some of the opportunities.
Around one-third of childhood asthma cases in Europe are linked to air pollution, which worsens during heatwaves and wildfires, and across Europe, children born in 2020 will experience 4x more extreme events – including heatwaves, floods, wildfires, compared to children born in the 1960s.
Europe is warming faster than any other continent.
The tangible impact of climate change can be seen within a single generation, but we can slow this down. By prioritising climate action, we can help prevent the intensity of chronic health issues and keep children safe.
Between 2014 and 2022, employment in the EU grew faster in the environmental economy than in the overall economy.
In 2022, employment in the environmental goods and services sectors reached 6.7 million full-time equivalents, more than doubling from three million in 2000.
Spain’s adoption of wind and solar power have made electricity cheaper – the Central Bank of Spain concludes that electricity prices prices would have been 40 percent lower in the first half of 2024 if wind and solar generation had remained at 2019 levels.
However, more action is needed to enable the growth of the environmental economy, for instance by addressing the skills gap.
Key priorities
With sectoral and regional partners, we want to enable effective local strategies, to help Europe embrace the green transition as quickly as possible.
Energy transition
Our goal: Ensure energy is affordable while accelerating the shift to renewables.
CIFF supports work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring people have access to reliable, affordable energy. We partner with organisations to phase out fossil fuels and scale up sustainable energy such as wind and solar.
Europe is making significant climate progress, reducing emissions by 37% while growing its economy 71% since the 1990s. But more action is needed for Europe to achieve economy-wide net zero emissions, for society and the world.
European leadership
Our goal: To strengthen Europe’s role in advancing climate action at home and on the global stage.
Europe’s civil society plays a critical role in advancing climate action. We support initiatives that strengthen Europe’s role in promoting fair global systems as well as mobilising finance for climate action – ensuring Europe continues to lead in creating a just, sustainable future for all.
Europe team
CIFF’s Climate team works globally with specialist team members focused on Europe.
Related programmes
