Environment Minister Macinka wants to cut climate education funding

Czech Environment Minister Petr Macinka (Motorists’ Party), who also serves as Minister for Foreign Affairs, told Czech Radio that he wants to cut funding for NGOs that promote climate and environmental education in schools, citing the opportunity to save money. Dozens of organisations warn that, without financial support, they may be forced to scale back activities and/or lay off staff.

Macinka said public finances are “so dire” following the previous government’s term that some NGOs may need to “find another livelihood.” The extent of the planned cuts to environmental education grants has not yet been confirmed.

Most of the affected NGOs focus on educating pupils, teachers, and the public about ecology, nature conservation, and climate change. Last year, the ministry awarded grants to 25 projects, providing one to four million crowns per project.