Cambodia has updated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), committing to a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across key sectors by 2030. This ambitious target, announced by Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth at the Cambodia Climate Change Summit 2024 (CCCS 2024), highlights the nation’s dedication to climate action, though an estimated $7 billion in climate finance is required—$2 billion for adaptation and $5.8 billion for mitigation. 

The CCCS 2024, held in Sihanoukville, gathered over 300 participants, including community members, NGOs, and environmental groups, to discuss Cambodia’s climate strategy and innovative solutions. The event featured 24 plenary sessions, six youth-led discussions, and a public exhibition promoting sustainable practices. At the summit, Sophalleth announced his intention to present Cambodia’s climate goals at the upcoming COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, aiming to reinforce global commitments under the Paris Agreement to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C. 

Cambodia’s Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality (LTS4CN), submitted to the United Nations in 2021, outlines the country’s vision for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Cambodia’s commitment to carbon neutrality marks it as the first ASEAN nation to submit such a roadmap, aiming to create a resilient, low-carbon society. The newly adopted Cambodia Climate Change Strategic Plan (CCCSP) 2024-2033 builds on this foundation, defining strategies to promote climate-smart development and focusing on vulnerable populations, particularly children and women. 

To support the Enhanced Transparency Framework under the Paris Agreement, Cambodia has mandated line ministries to track NDC-related data. This data will inform the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) and future NDC updates, underscoring Cambodia’s dedication to ongoing progress in both mitigation and adaptation measures. As Cambodia prepares for COP29, its integrated approach to climate action exemplifies a strong national commitment to sustainable growth. 

Sources:  

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501581162/raising-target-cambodia-to-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissons-to-around-42-by-2030/ 

https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/KHM_LTS_Dec2021.pdf 

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodia-plans-reduce-carbon-emissions-42-cent-2030 

https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099092823045083987/pdf/P17887106c6c2d0e909aa1090f3e10505c1.pdf