The Australian Government is providing $9 million to support Pacific climate efforts in responding to climate change through the Regional Pacific Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Hub.
The contribution aims to assist Pacific countries in articulating and meeting their emissions reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement requires parties to set Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature rise to well below 2 celsius degree (°C) above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to cap it at 1.5°C.
The Pacific-led NDC Hub provides resources and expertise to help Pacific nations develop and implement their NDCs. Australia’s funding will kick-start a new phase of the hub as countries prepare to submit updated NDCs in 2025.
Since its inception in 2017, the hub has assisted 14 Pacific countries in accessing climate support, including investment planning, low-emissions strategy development, and emissions reporting.
At the Pacific Islands Countries Climate Change Ministerial Talanoa, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen emphasised the critical nature of this support for the Pacific region.
“Climate change is no longer a threat, it’s a reality, and Australia is committed to supporting our closest neighbours to deliver on their ambitious emissions reduction targets and manage investment planning for low emissions development,” he said.
“Each step we take to fight climate change is a step back from the brink, and Australia is dedicated to working with our Pacific neighbours to make sure our next steps are the right ones.”
The $9 million contribution will strengthen the region’s collective approach as the “Blue Pacific Continent”, helping secure the wellbeing of Pacific people while implementing their NDCs.
The funds will be provided to the Pacific Community (SPC) for the NDC Hub through a financial arrangement with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
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