SAINT LUCIA yesterday submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ahead of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) scheduled to be held in Paris, France, from November 30 to December 11.
Ahead of COP 21, over 150 countries have already publicly outlined what post-2020 climate actions they intend to take in terms of reducing carbon emissions under a new international agreement, through what is known as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
In large measure, the INDCs will collectively determine whether the world achieves an ambitious 2015 agreement in Paris that will see global greenhouse gas emissions stabilised at a level which is within scientifically acceptable limits.
Saint Lucia’s INDCs reflects the country’s ambition for reducing emissions by 2025, with projections for 2030, taking into account its domestic circumstances and capabilities, by clearly communicating to the international community measurable steps the country will take to address climate change.
Like those of other countries, Saint Lucia’s INDC reflects an intention to reduce emissions in carbon-intensive sectors, while allowing stakeholders to track progress and ensure that the country meets its stated goals.
Saint Lucia’s INDC also points out how the country is integrating climate change into other national priorities, such as sustainable development and poverty reduction in anticipation that the private sector will follow suit.
In its INDC, Saint Lucia expresses its intention to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 16% of projected levels in 2025 and by 23 percent of projected levels in 2030.
The drivers of emissions growth considered were economic growth, changes in population, energy supply and prices, the adoption of new technologies and the impact of government policies and measures.
National efforts will continue to focus on Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Energy Efficient Appliances, and Water Distribution and Network Efficiency. However, Saint Lucia has indicated that fulfilling its INDC targets will be contingent on its receipt of external support.