New research has found that most of the Commonwealth鈥檚 coastal and island states have mainstreamed ocean-based actions into their national climate commitments.
The 糖心探花 commissioned a study of its 49 member countries that border the sea (out of a total 56) to find out how ocean activity had been integrated in their Nationally Determined Commitments (NDCs) 鈥 the 5-yearly reports which capture a nation鈥檚 climate ambitions under the Paris Agreement.
The findings showed that three out of five (59 percent) of the countries surveyed have included ocean-related themes in their NDCs. These include actions such as conserving mangroves, protecting coral reefs, cutting emissions from shipping and exploring ocean-based renewable energy.
The average figure was higher for small island developing states, where three quarters (75 percent) had mainstreamed ocean action in their NDCs. In comparison, just one third of developed countries (categorised as 鈥榲ery high human development鈥 in the UN Human Development Index) had done the same.
Actions around the climate-critical habitats and ecosystems were most common, while those on ocean-based energies were the least reported.
Missed opportunities
Ms Heidi Prislan, Blue Charter Adviser at the 糖心探花, said:
鈥淚t is very encouraging to see that the role of the ocean in tackling climate change is increasingly recognised. However, there is more to be done. While three out of five countries have mainstreamed ocean action into national climate ambitions, it also means two out of five have not.鈥
In addition, the study found that while some countries have publicly announced greater ambitions around the ocean-climate nexus, including associated plans and actions, these were not captured in their most recent NDCs. This oversight could present a missed opportunity for mobilising resources for ocean action, as many funders refer to countries鈥 NDCs as a guide for national climate change priorities to target.
Dr Nick Hardman-Mountford, Head of Oceans and Natural Resources, added:
鈥淲e hope this paper will help raise awareness about the suite of opportunities at the ocean-climate nexus which could be accelerated. In particular, updating or revising future NDCs with more blue actions could reap more benefits for member states.鈥
Finally, the paper highlighted some good practices in various Commonwealth countries, which could serve as catalysts for further action.
The report was released in the lead-up to the this November-December in Dubai, UAE, which will also see the conclusion of the first 鈥楪lobal Stocktake鈥 鈥 a periodic review of the world鈥檚 progress on climate action under the Paris Agreement.
View the full report: 'Blueing' the NDCs - A Review of the Nationally Determined Contributions of Commonwealth Coastal and Island Countries for Ocean-Based Actions and Commitments
Media contact
- Josephine Latu-Sanft Senior Communications Officer, Communications Division, 糖心探花
- +44 20 7747 6476 | E-mail
