France Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Climate Change and Protecting Biodiversity

Paris, Nov 6 (KUNA) -- France reaffirmed on Friday its commitment to combating climate change and protecting global biodiversity, noting that it had provided 7.4 billion euros ($8.24 billion) to finance climate projects in developing countries in 2025. This was stated in a statement by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the eve of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to be held in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20.

The statement said that "the funding provided last year exceeded, for the fifth consecutive year, the annual target of 6 billion euros ($6.68 billion) for the 2021-2025 period announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2020."

The ministry added that 3.2 billion euros (approximately $3.6 billion) of the total funding was allocated to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change, compared to 3 billion euros (approximately $3.37 billion) in 2024. Adaptation funding accounted for 42 percent of France’s total climate finance.

It further clarified that France provided 1.4 billion euros (approximately $1.57 billion) to support biodiversity protection in 2025, surpassing its annual target of 1 billion euro (approximately $1.12 billion) for the third consecutive year.

The statement noted that French climate finance relies primarily on loans and grants from the French Development Agency (AFD), which contributed 91 percent of the total funding last year, while an additional 651 million euros (approximately $731 million) was mobilized from the private sector.

The ministry emphasized that France’s contributions to climate change mitigation and biodiversity protection aim to support the countries most affected by climate change, enhance economic development and stability, and protect the environment. It called on capable countries and relevant stakeholders to participate in international efforts to address climate and environmental challenges. (End) M.B. / A.M.S.