Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 3: Climate change and disaster risk reduction

FAO

Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 3: Climate change and disaster risk reduction

Framework for Environmental and Social Management guidance note

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 16 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Booklet

Full item page

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd3701en

Synopsis (short abstract) Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture and related sectors, threatening food systems, livelihoods, and the long-term success of development projects. FAO’s Environmental and Social Standard 3 (ESS 3) ensures that climate risks are integrated into project design and implementation, focusing on two key areas: risks to projects, such as vulnerabilities to extreme weather events and slow-onset changes, and risks from projects, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change. Through adaptation and mitigation strategies, ESS 3 promotes climate-resilient, low-carbon solutions to safeguard agrifood systems and communities.ESS 3 applies to all FAO programmes and projects, guiding efforts to minimize emissions, enhance carbon sinks, and strengthen disaster risk reduction. It emphasizes proactive planning to reduce vulnerabilities, support sustainable agriculture, and align with global climate commitments. By addressing both the causes and impacts of climate change, ESS 3 ensures that FAO projects contribute to resilient and sustainable development outcomes.

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2025. Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 3: Climate change and disaster risk reduction – Framework for Environmental and Social Management guidance note. Rome.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd3701en

Language English

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