When it comes to tackling climate change we offer Scottish communities a way to be part of the solution rather than just part of the problem.
Overwhelmingly, scientists, economists and politicians agree that climate change is caused by our everyday activities. These activities are emitting large amounts of carbon emissions and other gases that contribute to climate change and as a result we are trapping more of the sun's heat and the planet is getting hotter.
There are lots of things each of us can do to reduce our carbon emissions but if we work together as communities we can do even more.
The Climate Challenge Fund is here to help communities put their own solutions for significant reduction of carbon emissions into action. Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment launched the Fund on 3 June 2008.
The Fund is £27.4 million over three years (2008-11).
Our top priority for the Fund is to support projects that take direct action to reduce carbon emissions. A great example would be a 30% reduction or more over three years. We know this is ambitious but we believe that communities working together can make it happen.
That's why we also give priority to ideas that help strengthen local economies, bring all members of a community together and generally make your local community a greener, happier place to live in.