12 March 2025
Port Vila, Vanuatu
The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty that unites nations in the fight against climate change by aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. This accord emphasizes the collective responsibility of all countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and address loss and damage. One of the core obligations of all 195 countries that have ratified the agreement, is that every 5 years they submit a climate plan, called a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), with national climate targets and plans.
This week, Vanuatu has kicked off the process to update its NDC, led by the Ministry of Climate Change. Vanuatu’s last climate plan was submitted in 2021, and was widely recognised as one of the best on the planet, because it commits to reaching 100% renewable energy, and demonstrates highest ambition for adaptation and loss & damage goals.
Vanuatu’s new NDC will set Vanuatu apart as a global leader in climate action, especially as major economies have begun to dramatically scale back their climate financing and disengage from multilateral climate action. Vanuatu refuses to shy away from addressing the climate crisis, and will never abandon its goals for a fossil fuel free future that keeps our islands, villages and future generations safe.
Acting Director Nelson Kalo of the Department of Climate Change and Director Antony Garae of the Department of Energy are leading the revision process with the support of the Regional Pacific NDC Hub, through the Global Green Growth Institute. “Every sector will lead their own target setting, as Vanuatu plans to base its UN commitments on existing sector policies, plans and strategies,” said acting Director Kalo. “This is a chance to take stock of how Vanuatu’s sectors are already implementing policy-based climate action, and doing outstanding work on the ground through projects and programmes. This NDC is a whole of society plan, and will capture the important climate work being done by government agencies, civil society, the private sector and our communities.”
An NDC drafting team has been assembled, and will be reaching out to all core stakeholders to take stock of current and planned climate change initiatives, financing opportunities, and policy priorities. “Vanuatu’s goal is a 1.5-aligned economy-wide NDC covering major greenhouse gases, and focused on domestic emissions reductions, with full acknowledgement of our adaptation and loss & damage action,” said Director Antony Garae. “As all countries committed to in Paris, Vanuatu’s NDC will set out how we are responding to the outcomes of the Global Stocktake and accelerating our transition away from fossil fuels this decade in line with the best science.”
Vanuatu’s NDC will be unique in that it will cost out each commitment, and indicate the sources of funding and the financing instruments most suitable to each investment type. Vanuatu expects that donors will align their support to Vanuatu to this NDC, and fully meet Vanuatu’s climate finance needs as per their obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and in recognition of their historical responsibility for climate-causing emissions.
An online survey has been launched for all Vanuatu stakeholders to highlight their climate actions planned and underway, and gives the public to have their say on what must be done through 2035 to address the climate crisis. https://tinyurl.com/mryn2btr
The Ministry of Climate Change acknowledges that the most pressing security concern of the country is the climate crisis, and the solution is reduced emissions and increased finance for mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage. The government of the day is committed to honouring the Paris Agreement at this critical moment, and showing leadership on climate change, because the lives and livelihoods of local communities are at stake.
For more information or to get involved in the development Vanuatu’s Nationally Determined Contribution, contact the Department of Climate Change (678) 22160
or email
