#USA #New York #climate action #HCLTech #Osa Conservation

HCLTech Grants Aim to Combat Climate Change

In an impressive move to address climate change, HCLTech has awarded a total of $1 million in its second edition of the Climate Action Grant, aimed at supporting innovative solutions for environmental challenges across the Americas. This initiative has gained momentum, with a significant increase in applications this year, reflecting a strong commitment to tackling climate issues.

The Awardees

The three recipients of this generous funding include Osa Conservation, Daily Acts, and Ocean Wise, all of which have proposed impactful projects that aim to foster sustainable practices. Osa Conservation, based in Costa Rica, emerged as the primary grantee, receiving $500,000 to implement its Climate Lifeboat corridors project. This initiative aims to facilitate species migration and ecosystem protection by reconnecting fragmented tropical habitats, necessary for climate adaptation over vast areas.

Daily Acts from California was awarded a grant of $250,000 to advance its community-powered climate resilience initiative. The project emphasizes collaboration between governmental policies and grassroots efforts, particularly focusing on improving water management and stormwater systems in neighborhoods like Petaluma.

Ocean Wise, from Canada, also received $250,000 dedicated to restoring kelp forests along the Pacific coast. This project will utilize technology and ecological research to manage urchin populations and enhance marine biodiversity, while also benefiting coastal communities.

Growing Interest in Climate Initiatives

Notably, the number of applications for the HCLTech Climate Action Grant increased by more than 70% this year. The broadening scope of interest stems from NGOs across 10 eligible countries, including Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, all desperate to address the escalating impacts of climate change. This year's uptick highlights a collective urgency in wanting to forge sustainable solutions.

Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President of Global CSR at HCLTech, expressed enthusiasm for the grantees, noting that their innovative approaches are paramount for reconnecting habitats, enhancing community resilience, and rejuvenating marine ecosystems. The rise in applications underscores a crucial need to respond decisively to climate-related challenges.

HCLTech's Commitment to Sustainability

HCLTech's dedication to sustainability has been evident since the inception of the Climate Action Grant in 2023, with an overarching commitment of $5 million over five years devoted to fighting the climate crisis in the Americas. This initiative is part of HCLTech’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focus, which is reflected in their total investment of over $175 million on various CSR programs worldwide.

The company has consistently gained recognition for its efforts to mitigate environmental impacts and has partnered with esteemed U.S.-based organizations like Feeding America to support community initiatives. HCLTech's efforts in fostering sustainable business practices recently earned them the title of Industry Mover in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2023.

In Conclusion

As HCLTech continues its mission to integrate sustainable practices into its operations and funding initiatives, it exemplifies how technology and corporate responsibility can converge to create a greener future. For individuals and organizations looking to learn more about the HCLTech Climate Action Grant and the application process, further details can be found at americas-grant.hcltech.com. The journey of making impactful environmental changes is just beginning, and with the right support, the possibilities are limitless.