Issue Deep Dive
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Last updated: May 23, 2023
ODA Spending
ODA in Context
France was the third-largest donor for projects related to climate change mitigation and adaptation in 2021.
This funding represents 57% of France’s bilateral allocable ODA, more than double the DAC average of 24%, putting it in second place among DAC donors in terms of its relative prioritization of climate change-related projects.
ODA Trends
Climate change is a longstanding priority of French development policy, particularly since the 2015 Paris Agreement, as well as the global commitment to mobilize US$100 billion per year from 2020-2025 by HICs.
25% of bilateral allocable ODA targeted projects with climate change mitigation and/or adaptation as principal goals, nearly triple the DAC average of 9%. 32% was spent on projects with a significant climate change component.
ODA Breakdown
Bilateral Spending
France’s climate-related ODA in 2021 emphasized adaptation projects, totaling US$4.5 billion, while mitigation projects accounted for US$2.6 billion. Cross-cutting projects received US$50 million.
The largest share of climate funding focused on energy, infrastructure, and agriculture, which received 16%, 13%, and 12% of climate finance in 2021, in addition to 14% of projects which were labeled ‘other multisector.’
Multilateral Spending and Commitments
In addition to bilateral flows, France contributes to climate change adaptation and mitigation in LICs and MICs through its contributions to multilaterals.
Funding & Policy Outlook
French President Emmanuel Macron made climate a flagship issue of his presidency. The 2021 Development Law defines climate as a central cross-cutting objective of French development policy and emphasizes climate adaptation in particular.
At COP26 in November 2021, France pledged US$7 billion in annual climate finance until 2025 to support partner countries. One-third of the COP26 pledge is committed to climate adaptation funding, with a focus on countries in Africa, and especially within its 19 priority ‘sub-Saharan African’ countries.
At COP27, France reiterated its commitment to allocation EUR6 billion ( US$7.1 billion) per year for climate change. Of this amount, EUR2 billion or US$2.4 billion is allocated for adaptation. France also highlighted its commitment to financing Just Energy Transition Partnerships with South Africa, Indonesia, Senegal, and India.
Outcomes of COP26
The AFD committed to disbursing 50% of its financing to climate-related programming, a target which it surpassed in 2021 when it disbursed EUR6 billion ( US$7.1 billion) to climate-related programs. The AFD’s Climate and Development Strategy 2017-2022 outlines its climate priorities. The AFD was also appointed chair of the IDFC in October 2017, which strongly emphasizes climate action.
At COP27, France announced an EUR20 million ( US$24 million) contribution to the Global Shield against climate risks. It also emphasized that the EUR6 billion( US$7.1 billion) pledge for international climate finance had been reached, with EUR6.1 billion ( US$7.1 billion) disbursed in 2021, including EUR2.2 billion ( US$2.6 billion) for adaptation.
Key bodies
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Mareike Fürst
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