On November 22, 2018, The Republic of the Marshall Islands was the first country to submit an updated NDC, almost two years ahead of COP 26, that was supposed to happen in December 2020. This is a strong signal of the country’s prominent leadership, both domestically and internationally, and a key step for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

The updated NDC makes the previous indicative target of reducing emissions 45% below 2010 levels by 2030 binding, while setting a new indicative target to reduce emissions at least 58% below 2010 levels by 2035. The NDC also reaffirms Marshall Islands’ aspiration to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and presents is 2020 Climate Change Strategy as an attachment. The country also commits to developing a National Adaptation Plan in 2019.

Considering its low responsibility and capacity and according to the #TheNDCsWeWant Checklist, we consider that RMI’s NDC has a Short Way to Go to become an #NDCWeWant. The postponement of COP 26 presents an opportunity for RMI to provide an update on plans and policies under their NDC and LTS, such as the National Adaptation Plan envisaged for 2019 and definition of cost and clear outcomes for conditional and unconditional commitments.