Developed Nations Have Sown the Wind, Vanuatu Has Reaped the Whirlwind

By Andrew Simms

As emissions alter weather patterns, vulnerable nations like Vanuatu are suffering the consequences

Pacific island state Vanuatu has submitted a groundbreaking update to its climate change plan, showcasing its progression and commitment to fulfilling its obligation as a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The update, which was submitted to the UNFCCC on 12 December 2022, outlines Vanuatu's plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Vanuatu is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change, and the update highlights the urgent need for developed nations to take action to reduce their emissions and support developing countries in their efforts to adapt to climate change.

In recent years, Vanuatu has been hit by a number of extreme weather events, including cyclones, floods, and droughts. These events have caused widespread damage and displacement, and they are expected to become more frequent and severe in the future as the climate continues to change.

Vanuatu's updated climate change plan sets out a number of ambitious targets, including:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% below 2010 levels by 2030
• Increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix to 100% by 2030
• Investing in climate change adaptation measures, such as sea walls and early warning systems

Vanuatu's updated climate change plan is a clear demonstration of the country's commitment to taking action on climate change. However, the plan also highlights the need for developed nations to do more to reduce their emissions and support developing countries in their efforts to adapt to climate change.

Developed nations have a historical responsibility for climate change, as they have emitted the vast majority of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. They have a moral obligation to help developing countries, like Vanuatu, to cope with the impacts of climate change.

Developed nations can provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries to help them reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change. They can also provide support for capacity building, so that developing countries can develop the expertise they need to address climate change.

Developed nations must step up their efforts to reduce their emissions and support developing countries in their efforts to adapt to climate change. The future of vulnerable nations like Vanuatu depends on it.