Ocean-Based Climate Action in New and Updated Nationally Determined Contributions

Abstract

Ocean-based climate action can play an important role in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are one of the main mechanisms under the Paris Agreement for countries to communicate their national climate strategies. This working paper analyzes how ocean-based climate actions are included in new and updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) from island and coastal countries and what this means for implementation over the next five years. Based on an analysis of 106 new and updated NDCs, 77 (73 percent) include at least one target, policy, or measure aimed at ocean-based climate actions.

Analysis of Ocean-Based Climate Action in Nationally Determined Contributions

“…World Resources Institute (WRI) will integrate this analysis onto the Ocean Watch platform to visualize the data and make the raw data available for download. Additional insights and policy recommendations can be found in an accompanying working paper, "Ocean-Based Climate Action in New and Updated Nationally Determined Contributions" (Khan et al 2022). The actions identified in this analysis do not necessarily translate to improved mitigation or adaptation, or greater equity.…”