USAID Climate Strategy 2022-2030 Resource Page

USAID has developed a new Climate Strategy that will guide its work through 2030. This new Strategy takes a “whole-of-Agency” approach that calls on all corners of USAID to play a part in the response. USAID will work on the ground with partner governments and local actors to set the global trajectory toward a vision of a resilient, prosperous, and equitable world with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

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Climate change is a global crisis. As temperatures and sea levels rise, people around the world are increasingly seeing heat waves, droughts, floods, cyclones, and wildfires upend their lives. The effects of climate change are not equal – they disproportionately impact the poorest and most marginalized communities USAID works to support every day. Climate change affects virtually everything that USAID does and threatens the development progress it has supported over more than 60 years.

Climate change increases water and food scarcity, displacement, and the need for humanitarian assistance, as well as contributes to conflict and disrupts economic stability. Yet at the same time, USAID’s response presents an opportunity to improve livelihoods. Decarbonizing economies means less air pollution that negatively affects health. Building climate-resilient infrastructure means people are safer when disaster strikes and reduces the need for costly repairs after every storm. Investing in green jobs presents an opportunity to make workforces more equitable and inclusive.

That is why USAID has developed a new Climate Strategy that will guide its work through 2030. This new Strategy takes a “whole-of-Agency” approach that calls on all corners of USAID to play a part in the response. USAID will work on the ground with partner governments and local actors to set the global trajectory toward a vision of a resilient, prosperous, and equitable world with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Addressing the climate crisis requires a holistic approach to development. Every USAID sector and Mission has a role to play in transforming global systems like agriculture, energy, governance, infrastructure, and health. This Strategy includes six ambitious high-level Targets that reflect how a whole-of-Agency approach can increase USAID’s impact. USAID will update these 2030 Targets and supplement them with interim Targets throughout the Strategy’s lifetime.USAID’s Climate Strategy is built on several foundational principles, which will be incorporated into all planning and activities: Locally-led Development, Equity and Inclusion, Private Sector Engagement, Nature-based Solutions, and Evidence, Technology, and Innovation.

Climate Change and Green Cities

Cities are responsible for over 70% of global GHG emissions and over 90% of cities are at risk of flooding from rising sea levels and extreme weather events.Sustainable urbanization is essential for addressing many of the causes and impacts of climate change, and cities can help countries move further faster in meeting net-zero and adaptation targets. USAID supports countries and subnational efforts to transition to low carbon, climate-resilient infrastructure and to strengthen measures to protect against and respond to the impacts of climate change. Improving equitable access to resilient and low carbon essential services in cities is critical for helping ensure all households and communities are able to adapt effectively to climate shocks and stresses.

USAID will support countries to dramatically reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (like methane and black carbon) and pursue innovative urban development that protects biodiversity and watersheds. Improved municipal waste management and urban transportation are among the most effective actions for slowing near-term warming and toxic air pollution, which require partnership with municipal governments. USAID will also help cities lead on creating just transitions to ensure mitigation and adaptation efforts provide economic, health, ecological and social benefits for all communities, in particular the urban poor. USAID will use an inclusive approach that empowers a broad range of stakeholders, including the labor movement and marginalized and underrepresented groups, to ensure shared and sustained outcomes, as well as to limit any negative impacts.

Visit the Climate Strategy Hub on Climatelinks to learn more about USAID’s new Climate Strategy

Strategic Objective 1: Targeted Direct Action – Accelerate and scale targeted climate actions.

Strategic Objective 2: Systems Change – Catalyze transformative shifts to net-zero and climate-resilient pathways.

Special Objective 3: Do Our Part – Strengthen operations and approaches to programming to address climate change and further climate justice within USAID and our partner organizations.

Translations of this Climate Strategy are available in Arabic, French, and Spanish. Please use the links below to access USAID’s Climate Strategy in additional languages. 

يمكن العثور على الترجمة العربية لاستراتيجية المناخ للوكالة الأمريكية للتنمية الدولية 2022-2030 هنا.

La traduction française de la Stratégie Climat 2022-2030 de l’USAID est disponible ici.

La traducción al español de la Estrategia Climática 2022-2030 de USAID se puede encontrar aquí.