The Freetown City Council (FCC) has unveiled the second phase of the Bloomberg Climate Action Fund, marking a significant step in the city’s commitment to combating climate change.
The official launch took place at the FCC hall in Freetown on Friday, February 28, 2025.
This innovative fund aims to channel resources into eco-friendly projects that promote sustainable development and significantly reduce the city’s carbon footprint amid rising environmental challenges. Specifically targeting young people aged 15 to 24, the fund incentivizes the design of initiatives that address the pressing climate issues faced by the country.
Flyers containing a QR code will be shared on the Mayor’s official social media accounts, providing access to the application form. A selection committee will review the applications and select the best initiatives, with the FCC targeting support for 16 to 17 youth groups based on available funding.
During her keynote address, Her Worship the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Akie-Sawyerr, encouraged potential applicants to “dream big, but start small.” She emphasized the importance of designing impactful solutions to the climate crisis that would create a lasting legacy. “It is not just about accessing the funds, but about designing solutions that will tackle the climate crisis around us,” she urged. The Mayor expressed her desire to see more innovative proposals in this second round of funding, encouraging applicants to focus on initiatives that will affect real change in people’s lives.
In his remarks, Deputy Mayor Kwaku Lisk, Esq., underscored that climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing the country and highlighted the crucial role young people play in addressing these issues. He encouraged them to seize this opportunity to get involved in making a positive impact.
Chief Administrator Tom Rahman Farmar expressed gratitude to the climate committee for their efforts in addressing pressing environmental problems such as extreme heat and deforestation. He praised the FCC for its pivotal role in initiatives like “Freetown the Tree Town” and the Cable Car project, which aim to mitigate climate challenges.
Head of Climate Change at FCC, Yatta Kallon, voiced her excitement over the launch of the second phase of the fund, emphasizing its potential to empower youth to lead initiatives tackling climate change. She commended Mayor Akie-Sawyerr for her exceptional leadership in this critical fight.
