Today, current patterns of production and consumption are placing growing pressure on biodiversity and natural resources. At the same time, rising greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere, continue to accelerate global climate change. In these complex circumstances, fighting climate challenges has been a core priority for the French Development Agency (AFD) since 2005. This is because climate protection and sustainable development are inseparable and interconnected challenges.
Why are climate protection and reducing CO₂ emissions so important for AFD?
Today, the effects of global warming, such as droughts, floods, and rising sea levels, are becoming increasingly visible. These risks are particularly severe in developing countries. According to AFD’s approach, sustainable development and the fight against poverty are directly tied to mitigating climate change, reducing atmospheric emissions of CO₂ and other harmful gases, and protecting the environment. The Agency’s main goal is to ensure that all of its projects are 100% aligned with the requirements of the Paris Agreement through its investments and policies.
Three Main Pillars of Implementing the Global Mission
To achieve its goals regarding climate and the reduction of CO₂ emissions, AFD works across three interconnected areas.
First, under climate change mitigation, it directly assists in limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
Second, through climate adaptation, it reduces the vulnerability of populations and ecosystems to climate risks.
Third, in partnership with governments and local communities, it formulates and implements roadmaps for low-carbon and climate-resilient sustainable development.
Financial Instruments and Global Scope
To achieve these strategic goals, AFD utilizes a wide range of financial instruments, including concessional loans, grants, guarantees, technical assistance, and budget support mechanisms. Furthermore, the Agency actively mobilizes co-financing alongside international and national partners, such as the Green Climate Fund.
Under its new climate strategy adopted in 2017, the Agency committed to becoming a development bank 100% aligned with the Paris Agreement. Accordingly, more than €33.3 billion has been approved for climate-related projects since 2017. This figure reinforces AFD’s standing as one of the world’s leading international institutions in climate finance.
The AFD project “Financing Sustainable Development of the Livestock Sector” being implemented in Uzbekistan also fully responds to these global climate priorities. This initiative is aimed at supporting sustainable and environmentally responsible development in the livestock sector, including financing measures that contribute to reducing negative environmental impact and enhancing the climate resilience of farms.
Source: Prepared based on data from the official website of the French Development Agency (AFD).
