Green Climate Fund A Primer

This primer by Friends of the Earth International describes the structure, governance, and operational mechanisms of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a multilateral fund under the UNFCCC designed to support climate adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. It details the role of Accredited Entities, National Designated Authorities, and the influence of the private sector and civil society, while highlighting concerns regarding the accreditation of banks with poor human rights and environmental records.

• The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a multilateral fund under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) intended to support developing countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. Its governing board consists of 24 seats, evenly split between developed and developing countries, and operates on a consensus-based decision-making model.
• The GCF does not fund projects directly but operates through 'Accredited Entities,' which can be public or private organizations at various levels of government or NGOs. As of July 2015, 20 entities had been accredited, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme.
• National Designated Authorities (NDAs) serve as the primary in-country units for the GCF, recommending funding proposals based on national strategies. A mandatory 'no-objection letter' from the NDA is required for any funding proposal to ensure it aligns with national priorities and laws, which prevents private sector entities from requesting funds directly from the GCF Board.
• The GCF aims for a 50/50 split between funding for adaptation and mitigation, with 50% of adaptation funds earmarked for particularly vulnerable countries, including least developed countries, small island developing states, and African countries.
• The GCF lacks a formal ban or exclusion list for specific technologies or activities, meaning it does not explicitly prohibit the funding of fossil fuels. While some criteria suggest a preference for low-carbon pathways, there is a perceived risk of the fund financing 'false solutions' such as nuclear energy, biofuels, and big dams.
• As of September 30, 2015, 38 countries had promised US$10.2 billion to the GCF over four years, though only US$5.76 billion had been legally committed through signed agreements.
• The GCF utilizes a Private Sector Facility (PSF) to finance private sector activities, though there is internal debate over whether this should prioritize indigenous small and medium enterprises in developing countries or multinational financial corporations.
• The GCF has adopted the eight safeguards of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on an interim basis until its own safeguards are developed, starting in 2016. Civil society has criticized the lack of transparency in the accreditation process, specifically regarding the accreditation of Deutsche Bank.

APA

Friends of the Earth International (2015). Green Climate Fund A Primer. https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Green-climate-fund-EN.pdf

Chicago

Friends of the Earth International. Green Climate Fund A Primer. 2015. https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Green-climate-fund-EN.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Friends of the Earth International |title=Green Climate Fund A Primer |date=November 2015 |url=https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Green-climate-fund-EN.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{friendsoftheearthinternational2015green, author = {{Friends of the Earth International}}, title = {{Green Climate Fund A Primer}}, institution = {Friends of the Earth International}, year = {2015}, month = nov, url = {https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Green-climate-fund-EN.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }