United Kingdom (Commonwealth Union)_ According to a new study, the majority of Commonwealth coastal and island governments have incorporated ocean-based actions into their national climate pledges. The Commonwealth Secretariat commissioned a study of its 49 member countries that border the sea (out of a total of 56) to determine how ocean activity had been incorporated into their Nationally Determined Commitments (NDCs), which are the five-yearly reports that outline a country’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
According to the results, three out of five (59 percent) of the nations under survey have incorporated ocean-related themes in their NDCs. These measures include the conservation of mangroves, the protection of coral reefs, the reduction of emissions from shipping, and the exploration of ocean-based renewable energy. Additionally, three-quarters or 75 percent of small island developing nations have incorporated ocean action into their NDCs, which is a higher proportion than the norm. Comparatively, just one-third of industrialized nations, those countries classified as having “extremely high human development” by the UN Human Development Index, have taken the same action.
The majority of actions are related to climate-sensitive habitats and ecosystems, whereas ocean-based energy sources received the least attention. Additionally, the analysis revealed that several nations have publicly proclaimed larger goals for the ocean-climate nexus, including corresponding plans and activities, but they were not reflected in their most recent NDCs. This mistake might be a wasted chance to mobilize funds for ocean action, since many funders use nations’ NDCs as a guide for identifying national climate change priorities.
According to Ms Heidi Prislan, Blue Charter Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat, “It is very encouraging to see that the role of the ocean in tackling climate change is increasingly recognized. 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.” According to Dr Nick Hardman-Mountford, Head of Oceans and Natural Resources, “We 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.”
The study concluded by highlighting some exemplary approaches followed by many Commonwealth nations that might serve as catalysts for future action. The report was published in advance of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28, which will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in November and December of this year. The conference will also mark the conclusion of the first ‘Global Stocktake,’ which is a periodic review of the global advancement in climate action under the Paris Agreement.
