Search Climate Insights Directory

The GCF Secretariat broadly agrees with the Independent Evaluation Unit's findings on the Project Preparation Facility (PPF), acknowledging its role as a strategic de-risking tool. The Secretariat commits to improving coherence between the PPF and the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme (RPSP), differentiating support pathways for varying entity capacities, and enhancing monitoring and knowledge management. While accepting most recommendations, the Secretariat notes that some findings lacked sufficient contextualization and that the PPF Service modality represents only about 21% of approved requests.

The GCF Secretariat report for 2026 details progress in enhancing country ownership, delivering impact, and institutional strengthening. Key achievements include the launch of a revised Accreditation Framework, the establishment of regional presence in five locations, and the development of a new Commitment Authority Framework to optimize investment capacity. The report also tracks programming metrics, noting 29 funding proposals submitted to the iTAP and the approval of projects for underserved countries like Bahamas, Chad, and Jamaica.

The IEU report for February to May 2026 outlines the progress of several independent evaluations, including those on gender, the Project Preparation Facility, and the private sector. It highlights the ongoing Third Performance Review (TPR) and the LORTA impact evaluation programme, which supports 23 evaluations. The Unit also reports on its strategic engagement with other multilateral climate funds, the use of AI in evaluation synthesis, and its budget expenditure, which stood at 19% (USD 1.5 million) of the annual budget as of 30 April 2026.

The document outlines the disclosure process for the 'Direct Financing Loans by SIDBI to the Textile Sector' sub-project pool, part of the broader FP241 programme to finance mitigation and adaptation projects in Indian MSMEs. It specifies that the sub-project pool is classified as Category B and details the disclosure of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) in English and Hindi on April 30, 2026, to comply with Green Climate Fund (GCF) policies.

The report identifies systemic barriers to climate finance in four Asian countries, highlighting widespread capacity gaps in project preparation and risk assessment, fragmented governance, and regulatory uncertainty. It emphasizes that while national strategies often exist on paper, implementation is hindered by a lack of coordination between ministries and a failure to integrate climate priorities into local government mandates. The study specifically notes the exclusion of vulnerable communities and SMEs from finance flows due to a lack of tailored instruments and information. To unlock resources, the authors recommend building climate literacy, clarifying institutional responsibilities, and deploying blended finance tools to de-risk private investment.

The evaluation finds that while country ownership is a core principle of the GCF, its operationalization is uneven and often reduced to procedural compliance. Key structural bottlenecks include limited institutional capacity of National Designated Authorities (NDAs), a heavy reliance on International Accredited Entities (IAEs) over Direct Access Entities (DAEs), and a lack of meaningful whole-of-society engagement. The report recommends shifting from a process-based approach to one focused on long-term institution-building, simplifying access to finance, and embedding inclusivity as a cultural default.

The NAP Global Network's 2025 report details its efforts to move developing countries from adaptation planning to implementation. Key achievements include supporting 18 countries in this transition, delivering 24 short-term technical assistance requests via the Country Support Hub, and managing 13 long-term In-Country Support Programs. The Network emphasizes the importance of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and the integration of nature-based solutions. A new strategic plan to 2030 prioritizes Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with a focus on accountability, civil society engagement, and the alignment of adaptation planning with peacebuilding and the Global Goal on Adaptation.

The Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) reports significant growth in 2025, expanding to over 90 partner organizations. Key activities included launching several innovation challenges—such as the RISE Urban Challenge and the TECH 4 Resilience Challenge—and establishing the Mobilising Business for Resilience (MBR) platform with the IFC to address the adaptation finance gap. The GRP also co-managed the Resilience Hub and launched the Climate Resilience Awards for Business with the WBCSD.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) reports a portfolio of USD 19.3 billion since 2015, having reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 96 million tonnes of CO2e and reached 249 million people through adaptation projects. To address the escalating climate crisis, the GCF has launched the '50by30' vision, aiming for a USD 50 billion portfolio by 2030, with annual programming targets rising to USD 15 billion by 2035. The Fund emphasizes a balanced approach, currently allocating 59% of its portfolio to adaptation and 41% to mitigation, with a strong focus on Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and African states. Key operational achievements include the Readiness Programme, which has provided 874 grants worth USD 752 million to 142 developing countries, and the 'Efficient GCF' programme, which reduced the median time from project approval to disbursement to 6 months in 2024.

As of 31 August 2025, the GCF has a total pledged amount of USD 30 billion and has committed USD 18 billion to 314 projects across 133 countries. The portfolio is split between adaptation (58% in grant-equivalent terms) and mitigation (42%). The Fund's accredited entity network consists of 153 entities, 66% of which are direct access entities. The Readiness Programme portfolio has grown to USD 749.1 million. The current pipeline includes 142 concept notes and 66 funding proposals requesting a combined USD 12.3 billion in GCF financing, which exceeds the projected commitment authority for 2026–2027. The Secretariat is implementing pipeline optimization measures to retire inactive proposals and align with the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan.

The We Mean Business Coalition urges companies to attend COP30 in Brazil, asserting that corporate presence provides essential innovation, capital, and operational expertise to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The statement emphasizes that business engagement is necessary to signal policy needs to governments and to ensure an inclusive transition that protects livelihoods across value chains. While acknowledging logistical uncertainties in Belém, the Coalition encourages global businesses to join regional peers in Brazil to showcase scalable solutions in energy, industry, nature protection, and infrastructure.

As of March 31, 2025, the GCF's total pledged amount decreased to USD 29.9 billion following the United States' revocation of USD 4 billion in outstanding pledges. The Fund has committed USD 16.7 billion to 297 projects across 133 countries, with a portfolio balance of 59% adaptation and 41% mitigation in grant-equivalent terms. The accredited entity network consists of 145 entities, 64% of which are Direct Access Entities. The Readiness Programme has approved USD 713 million for 862 grants, with 62% of support directed toward LDCs, SIDS, or African States. To manage a pipeline of 182 concept notes and 85 funding proposals, the GCF is implementing a 'targeted approach' to retire inactive legacy projects. The Project Preparation Facility (PPF) has committed USD 69.5 million to support 110 applications, unlocking USD 7.2 billion in total climate finance.

The report examines the integration of finance within National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) across 59 developing countries. It finds that while most NAPs include dedicated finance sections and rely heavily on international public funding, there is a significant gap in detailed costing and the mobilization of private-sector finance. The authors recommend that countries move toward more investment-oriented NAP documents, implement climate-resilient fiscal planning, and adopt tailored financing strategies—particularly for Least Developed Countries (LDCs)—to bridge the adaptation finance gap.

The Prosperete Growth Fund, a private sector project categorized as ESS Category I-2, has disclosed its Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and a Framework for Indigenous Peoples on May 23, 2025. These documents are available in English, French, Hindi, and Bengali to accommodate the target countries of India, Bangladesh, and Mauritius. The project's ESMS is accessible online and at physical offices in Mauritius and India, as well as through the Nationally Designated Authorities in the three target countries.

The proposal seeks €2,773,855 over 36 months to develop Bolivia's first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) targeting 2035. It addresses critical barriers including weak institutional capacity, poor intersectoral coordination, and insufficient scientific evidence for adaptation. The project focuses on four priority sectors: water, forests and biodiversity, agriculture and rural development, and human health, with education as a cross-cutting theme. Key objectives include establishing a monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) system, catalyzing private sector investment, and creating a pipeline of bankable adaptation projects. Implementation will be led by the Plurinational Authority of Mother Earth (APMT) and the Ministry of Development Planning (MPD), with GIZ as the delivery partner.

The research paper examines the 'coloniality' of the international financial architecture, arguing that current climate finance mechanisms are controlled by the Global North and perpetuate power imbalances. The authors propose a decolonial framework based on the 'matrix of power' to evaluate reforms. Applying this to the Bridgetown Initiative, they find that while it is led by the Global South, it remains limited by its reliance on existing institutions like the IMF and World Bank, a lack of focus on debt cancellation, and an over-emphasis on private sector finance. The paper recommends shifting toward grants-based public finance, unconditional debt cancellation, local-level funding access, and global tax and trade reforms to achieve a truly decolonial system.

The NAP Global Network's 2024 report details its progress in supporting developing countries with National Adaptation Plan (NAP) processes through technical assistance, South-South peer learning, and knowledge production. The Network has supported 70 countries to date, with over 60% of technical assistance directed toward Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Key 2024 achievements include the launch of a new peer learning strategy, the publication of over 180 knowledge products, and the implementation of a monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) framework. The report highlights specific 'stories of change' in countries like Costa Rica, Rwanda, and Côte d’Ivoire, demonstrating the transition from planning to implementation and the integration of gender and social inclusion.

The Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) launched its 2024-2029 Strategy and secured a four-year agreement with Sida to drive transformative change and locally-led innovation. Key 2024 activities include the expansion of the Resilience Hub to Climate Week NYC and London Climate Action Week, the growth of the PREPARE initiative with 39 participating companies, and the creation of the Resilient Planet Initiative (RPI) to democratise climate and adaptation data. Regional efforts include the Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH-ICE), the Resilient Agricultural Innovations for Nature (RAIN) Challenge in East Africa, and the Southern African Resilience Academy (SARA).

This analysis of 108 GCF readiness proposals reveals that funding is primarily directed toward governance and institutional coordination (37.1%) and evidence-based planning (32%), with significantly less investment in private sector engagement (2.6%). While most countries use these grants to draft or update National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and develop investment pipelines, the report highlights a need for more national delivery partners and a stronger focus on domestic financing and concrete implementation steps, such as climate adaptation investment plans.

The proposal seeks USD 999,998.93 to create a centralized Secretariat for the Brazil Climate and Ecological Transformation Investment Platform (BIP), hosted by the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES). The BIP aims to bridge the gap between climate-positive projects and investors to help Brazil meet its NDC target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 53.1% by 2030. The project focuses on three priority areas: Nature-based Climate Solutions, Industry and Mobility, and Energy. Key activities include developing a project pipeline, creating innovative financial mechanisms, and establishing ICT infrastructure to facilitate public-private collaboration.