Climate change mitigation is among the key environmental priorities addressed by the GEF. To date, the GEF has provided developing countries with US$6.2 billion through more than 1,900 projects aimed at addressing climate change mitigation. Over the past two decades, the climate finance landscape has undergone significant transformation, marked by the emergence of new multilateral funds and evolving priorities under international frameworks such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The ongoing study by the GEF Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) on the GEF Climate Change Mitigation Focal Area builds on recent work by the IEO, including evaluations focused on sustainable forest management and sustainable transport, as well as ongoing work on the Evaluation of the Sustainable Cities Program. This study examines the evolution, relevance, and effectiveness of the GEF’s climate change mitigation portfolio.
As the study progresses, it will assess the shift in GEF programming from stand-alone, sector-specific projects toward more integrated and programmatic approaches, reflecting both the changing global funding landscape and the need for systemic solutions. It will analyze how the GEF has adapted its strategy in response to declining financial allocations and the rise of alternative funding sources, with an increasing emphasis on capacity building, enabling environments, and innovative partnerships. The study will also evaluate the alignment between country needs and GEF priorities, the performance of recent projects, and the opportunities and challenges for fostering innovation in climate change mitigation. By reviewing the GEF’s evolving role, strategic recalibrations, and project outcomes, this study aims to provide a detailed overview of how the GEF is responding to the complex and shifting demands of global climate action and to highlight areas for future strategic focus.
