Chapter 2 | STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK & COMMITMENT
In line with this integrated approach, the OPEC Fund’s pro- jects portfolio is increasingly aligned with climate-responsive development pathways. Infrastructure investments are de- signed to be adaptive and sustainable; human capital initi- atives promote skills and education aligned with climate re- silience; institutional capacity building supports countries in managing climate risks and integrating environmental con- siderations into public policy; and private sector and trade interventions foster green innovation, competitiveness and sustainable value chains. As a forward-looking strategy, the Strategic Framework 2030 focuses on delivering impactful results through inno- vative financing and capacity-building. Recognizing that climate change introduces new uncertainties, the institution now applies environmental and social screening to its invest- ments. It is also rolling out mechanisms for climate screen- ing to evaluate climate-related risks. These measures rein- force the OPEC Fund’s role as a dependable partner, helping developing countries advance on a path of inclusive and climate-resilient growth.
Global South. Despite contributing the least to global emis- sions, they are bearing the brunt of climate impacts. Many of these countries struggle with weak economies, poor access to energy and infrastructure and have large populations that lack basic services and job opportunities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report 2 underscores this global imbal- ance. The report highlights that the wealthiest 10 percent of households account for 34-45 percent of global consump- tion-based CO 2 emissions, while the poorest 50 percent con- tribute just 13-15 percent. Globally, the impacts of climate change are becoming more frequent, more severe and more expensive. Rising tem- peratures are leading to unpredictable weather along with growing risks such as droughts, floods and powerful storms. These challenges threaten both social and economic pro- gress. The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report highlights the un- equal impact of climate change, stressing the need for more investment in adaptation and resilience — especially in the Global South. In many ways, the climate crisis affects Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and SIDS the most. With fragile econo- mies and limited infrastructure these countries often lack the resources needed to manage rising temperatures,
The Growing Climate Imperative
The world faces a dual imperative: Reducing GHG emissions while building resilience to the accelerating impacts of climate change. This challenge is especially acute for countries in the
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