In the Pacific region, the FSM is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events (such as droughts, typhoons, and storm surges), all of which are being exacerbated by climate change and sea-level rise. Over the past years, the country engaged forcefully in international discussions, setting out an ambitious agenda for mitigation and putting in place a wide range of adaptation policies and strategies.
In the framework of the Paris Agreement, the FSM submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) - targets for mitigating the greenhouse gas emissions - in 2015 to the UNFCCC Secretariat. Seven years later, an updated NDC is now being launch with the support of the Government of Italy and the Pacific Regional NDC Hub.
“Today the FSM officially launched their updated NDCs. This submission not only fulfill the requirements of the Paris agreement but it’s also a call to action. To read our NDCs is to understand how our future in FSM is deeply intertwined with climate change. Our mid-term and long-term opportunities are led by climate change.” explains Honorable Secretary Andrew Yatilman Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency management of the FSM.
National vision for sustainable economic development
The FSM has a strongly positive view of its near-term sustainable economic development. Despite the challenges and threats posed by climate change, the FSM sees a promising future for large ocean states such as itself.
Indeed, climate action will be a crucial driver of sustainable economic development in the FSM during the following decades. With new practices to protect and manage its diverse ecosystems, the country mentioned that “it is committed to sustaining its enormous endowment of natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations”.
New goals and mitigation targets
Recognising the imperative to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions at the global level by 2050 and achieving the long-term temperature goal of the Paris Agreement, the FSM targeted eight main pillars in their enhanced NDCs: (i) energy security, (ii) short-lived climate pollutants, (iii) food security, (iv) water security, (v) ecosystems management, (vi) resilient transport systems, (vii) public health, and (viii) emergency management and response.
Among the objectives settled, the following were mentioned:
- By 2030, increase access to electricity to 100% nationwide
- By 2030, reduce black carbon and methane emissions related to diesel-electric generation by more than 65% below 2000 levels
- By 2030, effectively manage 50% of marine resources and 30% of terrestrial resources, including restricting commercial fishing in up to 30% of the FSM marine environment
- By 2030, provide universal access to clean drinking water through the refurbishment of existing water infrastructure
While this updated 2nd NDC is ambitious, the FSM would require capacity-building support from key partners and stakeholders to ensure meeting its targets. Regional organisations will help them provide this new strategy's success aiming at enhancing climate action.
