The Republic of the Marshall Islands Nationally Determined Contribution 2031-2035

2023 GHG Strategy, centered on a universal GHG levy on all lifecycle emissions from international shipping. ● RMI was the first country to ratify the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. ● Over the next two years, and for the second time, RMI has a seat at the United Nations’ Human Rights Council (HRC), where we are calling for the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, as well as addressing the legacy of nuclear testing. ● Alongside numerous Pacific Island and other SIDS colleagues, RMI provided written and oral submissions to the International Court of Justice regarding its forthcoming Advisory Opinion on state responsibilities in relation to climate change. 3 In addition to its international leadership, all of RMI’s efforts are geared towards protecting its economy, communities and ecosystems from the adverse impacts of climate change. RMI is committed to implementing climate policy and action that is gender-responsive, fully respects human rights, and empowers youth and children. It has been mobilizing resources, driving forward national legislation and policy on climate, collaborating at the regional level and building its capacities in order to combat climate change. This NDC aims to showcase the extent of the effort the RMI government and Marshallese citizens are putting into combating climate change, and the challenges faced in implementing our priorities.. III. Mitigation Priorities RMI’s mitigation ambitions are rooted in its aspirations to be energy secure, to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and to use clean technologies which are fit-for-purpose. RMI’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is negligible (less than 0.0005%). While our emission reduction efforts may be inconsequential in themselves on the global stage, RMI both aims to provide a brighter, healthier, more secure future for the country and to be a good global citizen as an exemplar in meeting our international obligations and the promises we have made to others. RMI’s previous targets in its NDCs included an economy-wide target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to at least 32% below 2010 levels by 2025 and to at least 45% below 2010 levels by 2030. In alignment with its Tile Til Eo 2050 Climate Strategy, and as already envisioned in its

2018 NDC, RMI hereby confirms its previous indicative target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 58% below 2010 levels by 2035. RMI, like its Pacific neighbors, is almost completely reliant on imported fuel, and because of its geographical remoteness, pays a heavy price for it. The bulk of the fuel use in RMI is towards domestic transport (land, sea and air), and the rest is directed towards meeting electricity generation needs. RMI neither extracts nor imports coal, and does not intend to in the future. RMI’s Tile Til Eo 2050 Climate Strategy, as well as its 2018 Electricity Roadmap, the 2023 Sustainable Domestic Maritime Transport Roadmap, and its National Transport Decarbonization Framework (Rebbelib 2050), provide a clear framework for progressing towards net zero by 2050, as well as transitioning to an economy and society that are resilient and can adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change. Through these policies, RMI aims to gradually transition its energy sources from conventional to renewable, in the aim to become energy-independent and resilient. Through its NDCs, RMI is already on its way to abide by the 2023 Global Stocktake decision, especially all elements of paragraph 28 of Decision 1/CMA.5, and calls on all Parties to respond on the progress made towards the collective decisions made to tackle the energy transition at COP 28. Energy RMI is working steadfastly towards reducing its electricity generation emissions, envisioning renewable energy and energy efficiency goals to clean the energy mix, and move towards net-zero energy systems by 2050. Aside from helping to achieve RMI’s climate change targets, greening the electricity sector improves affordability, energy efficiency, energy security, reliability of service, and quality of life. RMI aims to regulate its 4 energy sector through an Energy Bill to increase the uptake of renewable energy, improve monitoring and corresponding action, as well as respond to NDC targets effectively. Moreover, RMI has been continuously engaging with partners such as the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and others to implement key measures such as replacing power plant diesel generators with clean energy technologies, enhancing the grids for Majuro and Ebeye, and ensuring clean energy access for the outer atolls through individual solar homes and mini-grids (NAP, 2023). For example, through a renewable energy project in Ebeye that is supported by Japan, we intend to satisfy over 60% of the energy demand on the atoll, and substantially increase the share of renewable energy into the electricity mix. In addition, energy efficiency measures for lighting to reduce overall energy demand are being implemented in the major urban centers, funded by EU general budget support for the energy sector. In addition to an increase in solar energy uptake across the atolls, including through decentralized PV technologies, RMI is also exploring innovative technologies which fit with its environment such as Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion. RMI is currently piloting a demonstration OTEC project with the support of the Republic of Korea, KRISO and the College of the Marshall Islands and Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport (MCST) that it hopes will prove both replicable and scalable. RMI recognizes that women and young people play a significant role in the clean energy transition. RMI is currently establishing the Outer Islands Solar Training for Women programme through the National Energy Office with support from local NGO Women United Together Marshall Islands (WUTMI), supported by funding from the Government of Canada through the NDC Partnership. This is part of RMI’s commitment to increase training, education, and awareness-raising efforts for women and throughout schools to ensure gender equality in access to renewable energy opportunities and empower women and young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to sustainable energy solutions in their communities and beyond. RMI also aims to phase-out the fossil fuel subsidies not directed towards supporting people in need. RMI currently provides fuel subsidies for energy for some of its outer islands and free electricity for landowners in return for infrastructure easements. With RMI’s plan to decarbonize its electricity sector, the need for fossil fuel subsidies will be reduced, as it becomes closer to reaching fuel independence. As it submits this NDC, RMI is also proud to announce it will join the Coalition on Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Incentives Including Subsidies (COFFIS), joining a group of climate leaders committed to accelerating the elimination of these harmful financial flows. 5 Transport RMI also seeks to decarbonize its domestic transport sector, and has established its own research center, the Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport (MCST). As part of the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, RMI already has a national vision to reduce domestic shipping emissions by 40% below 2010 levels by 2030 and full decarbonization of the sector by 2050. Consequently, the country is actively working on zero and low-emission technologies for low carbon sea transport. For example, with the bilateral pilot project Low Carbon Sea transport, RMI has partnered with the German International Cooperation (GIZ) which has provided a prototype low emission vessel, designed by the University of Applied Sciences Emden-Leer (HEL) in joint partnership with MCST. The Juren Ae is a hybrid vessel designed to reduce carbon emissions1 in providing services for RMI’s inter-island transport needs. She was launched in 2024 and combines wind-assisted propulsion, fuel-efficient engines, and solar power, making it a pioneering innovative solution tailored to the needs of RMI and SIDS (image credit: GIZ LCST 2024/Mr. Chewy Lin). NGO Waan Aelõñ in Majel (WAM)-Canoes is also spearheading an initiative to decarbonise transport inside atoll lagoons. This initiative focuses on developing sustainable, traditional vessels like the WAM Catamaran and WAM Proa prototypes. These designs incorporate indigenous eco-friendly materials and skills alongside modern technologies, promoting both cultural preservation and environmental sustainability, while WAM is training Marshallese youth in boatbuilding skills to take back to their home atolls so this initiative can expand across the Marshall Islands. 1 Expanding low-carbon sea transport in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (LCST) - giz.de 6 Moreover, as depicted in Rebbelib 2050 and Tile Til Eo 2050 Climate Strategy, RMI seeks to decarbonize its land transport, to further reduce its dependence on fuels. For example, a pilot project supported by the World Bank is underway to test electric vehicles in Majuro2. Waste RMI is committed to fully managing waste from all sources and reforming the waste sector, in order to safeguard the health of the environment and communities and reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions. Waste management is governed by the National Environmental Protection Act (1984) and implemented by several sets of regulations and policies through the Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Authority (RMIEPA) including the Solid Waste Management Regulations (1989). Implementation takes place in coordination with the Local Government and the Majuro Atoll Waste Company. RMIEPA is taking a holistic approach in waste management, mobilizing resources to tackle each waste stream, in a complex atoll environment. RMI is working with partners such as ADB3 to upgrade its waste disposal infrastructure in urban centers. Currently, there are projects for segregation and recycling of waste including plans for new and existing landfills. To tackle organic waste and the emissions it generates, efforts include waste-to-energy components, in addition to piloting composting to tackle food waste. For example, the Majuro Atoll Waste Company (MAWC) in partnership with the EU-funded and SPREP-implemented PacWastePlus programme, are piloting drum-style chippers to process organic materials such as whole pandanus plants, large dry coconut fronts, and some tree trunks4. One of the priorities is to reduce the amount of waste produced through rigorous recycling programs and product regulations to tackle non-organic waste, in the aim to reduce the volume of waste streams into landfills. For instance, the Styrofoam and Plastics Products Prohibition Act (2016), the Container Deposit Legislation (CDL), and the introduction of a Product Stewardship Scheme have been important initiatives in that regard, coupled with incentivizing financial mechanisms. RMI is also working on e-waste collection in the outer atolls, innovating systems to overcome remoteness challenges. The combination of these efforts put RMI on a path towards emission reduction from the waste sector and the protection of the land and marine environment. They exemplify RMI’s success and demonstrate local implementation that maintains compliance with applicable international conventions to which the RMI is a signatory. Notably the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. RMI is also a member of the Global Methane Pledge, aiming at tackling methane emissions. Forestry RMI values forest conservation as forests constitute an essential part of its food security and offer nature-based solutions to climate impacts. Deforestation is negligible in RMI, but 2 National Energy Office - Projects 3 Ebeye Solid Waste Management Project | Asian Development Bank 4 Chipper boosts ability of Republic of Marshall Islands to manage organic materials – Pacific Waste Plus 7 where there are isolated events of tree-felling, the RMI Forest Action Plan 2020-20305 (FAP) mandates that efforts will be made to promote tree planting and replanting. The FAP also mandates the preservation of native varieties of local food trees (e.g. coconut, breadfruit, pandanus), especially those which are endangered. RMI is also exploring afforestation as a nature-based solution to climate impacts. Conclusion Together, these efforts put RMI on the right path to transition away from fossil fuels and achieve net zero by 2050. This will allow for RMI to be energy-independent, making it more resilient towards market and climate shocks. However, when it comes to the full achievement of these goals, RMI cannot implement this NDC without the full support of the international community. In this regard, RMI prioritizes the fostering of enablers, especially climate finance, and the overcoming of both national and international challenges. IV. Adaptation Priorities and Objectives With the climate crisis being the greatest threat RMI has experienced since nuclear testing, RMI is steadfast in building resilience for what is to come through the Marshallese principle of “Papjalmae”: preparing for unforeseen circumstances. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) published in 2023, and the Adaptation Communication (AC) published in 2020, declare RMI’s commitment to confront the impacts of climate change head-on, and outline RMI’s response to climate impacts. Adaptation in RMI is guided by the principles of self-determination and the right to remain. Each step of the process of adapting to climate impacts and building resilience to climate change is informed by local and indigenous knowledge, as well as science. The NAP is intended to allow the Marshallese people to chart their own course for climate adaptation, ensuring that their cultural values guide decision-making. The overarching aim for RMI’s adaptation efforts is to ensure the long-term safety and prosperity of its citizens and ecosystem when faced with climate threats. RMI’s adaptation priorities are to: ● Reduce RMI’s vulnerability to climate change impacts, especially sea-level rise ● Build and sustain adaptive resilience across all human and ecological facets of RMI ● Adapt through a self-determined approach that respects RMI’s heritage, benefitting its current and future generations ● Enhance disaster risk preparedness, response and recovery From a sectoral perspective, as depicted in its NAP, RMI extensively plans for adaptation across its economic and social sectors. Detailed action plans are included in the NAP to guide all Marshallese institutions. The aim of these action plans is to achieve the following: 5 Marshall Islands Forest Action Plan 2020-2030 | Republic of the Marshall Islands Environment Data Portal 8 ● RMI is energy secure through low-emission technologies and all RMI citizens have access to reliable, resilient, affordable and clean energy ● RMI infrastructure, including health, education and agriculture, is structurally resistant to climate impacts, especially sea-level rise ● Climate change is mainstreamed in RMI’s education sector ● RMI’s freshwater availability is preserved and sustainability ensured, in the face or sea water intrusion and sea level rise ● RMI’s healthcare services respond to the Marshallese citizens’ needs, including from climate-related hazards ● RMI’s response to climate-related disasters is swift and coordinated across all atolls ● The contribution of fisheries to RMI’s economy is preserved ● RMI’s climate response is gender-responsive and is participatory ● RMI’s cultural heritage and traditional knowledge are preserved in the face of increasing climate events and sea-level rise ● RMI’s communities in all atolls and islands are equipped and have the adaptive capacity to face climate threats ● RMI’s agricultural sector is adapted to a changing climate, while contributing to economic growth and food security ● RMI’s biodiversity is conserved and preserved against climate change impacts To implement its adaptation priorities and goals, RMI has adopted several relevant sectoral policies and plans, adopting an iterative approach for policy updates to fit new and evolving circumstances. These include: ● National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2020-2030 ● National Infrastructure Investment Plan (NIIP) 2020-2030 ● Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Act ● Forest Action Plan 2020-2030 ● Agriculture Sector Plan 2021-2031 ● The Protected Areas Network (PAN) Act ● Agenda 2030: A Pathway for a Resilient and Prosperous Future ● National Climate Change and Health Policy and Revised Action Plan ● Reimaanlok: National Conservation Area Plan of the Marshall Islands ● Marshall Islands Resilience and Adaptation (MIRA) Trust Fund Act The Marshall Islands government and Marshallese citizens across the atolls and islands have been engaging in climate adaptation. Consultations have shown that Marshallese citizens feel a strong responsibility to preserve the land and its resources for future generations6. Nature-Based Solutions and sea walls are among the interventions that are increasingly necessary to protect atolls and islands from sea level rise in RMI. Forests are increasingly important for adaptation as coastal replanting coupled with coral reef rehabilitation constitute an important nature-based solution. With the support of regional and international partners, efforts are underway to ensure the resilience of the coastal environments and urban centers. For example, RMI is working with the World Bank on the Urban Resilience Project to enhance risk-informed adaptation planning, undergo coastal resilience investments and plan for resilient public buildings and spaces7. In 2025, 6 Full details in the International Organization for Migration, Jo-Jikum, Marshall Islands Conservation Society, The University of Melbourne, and Wutmi United Together Marshall Islands. 2023 “My heritage is here” Report on Consultations with Communities in the Marshall Islands in Support of the Development of the National Adaptation Plan. International Organization for Migration: Majuro. 7 Urban Resilience Project | World Bank 9 Majuro Atoll, RMI construction will begin on the Ebeye seawall PREPII project, with support from GCF and World Bank. The planning for this project began in 2016, indicating the extremely complex and lengthy processes required to undertake adaptation in an atoll environment. In addition, to ensure its water and food security, RMI institutions are designing projects and programmes to mobilize support to ensure Marshallese citizens have access to sustainable resources (i.e., ACWA project with the Green Climate Fund and United Nations Development Programme8, Sustainable Food Systems Project with the Global Environment Facility and UN Food and Agricultural Organization9). As the custodian of over 2 million km2 of ocean, RMI is at the forefront of ocean conservation. RMI recognizes the critical role that oceans play in absorbing emissions, and the possibility of policy interventions to protect and enhance this role. The Micronesia Challenge was a commitment by RMI, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands to preserve the natural resources that are crucial to the survival of Pacific traditions, cultures and livelihoods. The overall goal of the Challenge was to effectively conserve at least 30% of the near-shore marine resources and 20% of the terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020. Building on the successes and accomplishments of the Challenge, the Micronesian Leaders, including RMI, have affirmed their commitment to a new Micronesia Challenge 2030 - a collective approach to effectively manage at least 50% of marine resources and 30% of terrestrial resources across the region, among other targets that are aligned with jurisdictional priorities and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 8 Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) in the Marshall Islands | Green Climate Fund 9 Sustainable food systems and integrated land/seascape management in the Marshall Islands | GEF 10 Goals10. In 2025, the RMI government established the national sanctuaries of Bikar and Bokak, protecting around 48,000 km2 of ocean and atolls11, as part of its efforts under the "Reimaanlok framework" as identified under the 'Reimaanlok: National Conservation Area Plan of RMI’. RMI supports the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency 2023 FFA Climate Change Strategy, particularly the protection of FFA Members’ fisheries rights in new climate change scenarios, including the possibility of a WCPFC allocation framework accounting for climate change-induced redistribution of stocks from the EEZ into the high seas. These actions are being implemented while being surrounded with uncertainties about climate projections and with little finance and resources. This jeopardizes the full implementation of RMI’s adaptation priorities. As previously stated, without increased international support and swift reforms, this NDC will be challenging to achieve (please refer to section IX of the NDC for more details on enablers and challenges). RMI’s National Adaptation Pathway RMI is faced with a complex situation which threatens its territory. Preserving Marshallese citizens’ right to choose whether and when to migrate is paramount. The National Adaptation Pathway for Survival (NAP, 2023) serves as a dynamic blueprint, outlining how the nation will respond from now until 2150. The RMI government is planning ahead through the Pathway, which divides the timeline into key periods, each with decision points based on sea-level rise projections (NAP, 2023). Even though RMI is planning ahead for sea-level rise, its first line of defence is the swift global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and keeping the 1.5C degree goal within reach. V. Resilient Development RMI sees climate action as going hand-in-hand with its sustainable development, and the RMI government has mainstreamed aspects of climate action and priorities into its Agenda 2030: A Pathway for a Resilient and Prosperous Future (2024). Adaptation and mitigation planning and measures are situated in the broader context of this national development plan, which recognizes the importance of ecological and socioeconomic resilience as a backbone of climate action. For example, RMI’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) sets out a raft of measures designed to protect the critical sectors of the Marshallese economy. Fisheries As a large ocean state, RMI’s Exclusive Economic Zone is as much a part of its territory as its land, and threats to it have implications for national security and the economy. RMI fisheries are critical to the country’s ecology, economy, and livelihoods. The extensive coral reefs and vast oceanic territory support diverse marine species. Tuna is particularly abundant in the region, including skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye, and albacore, making the waters 10 RMI Protected Areas Network - Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority 11 Republic of the Marshall Islands Signs First National Marine Sanctuary – Bikar and Bokak Atolls 11 of the RMI one of the richest tuna grounds in the world12. Fishing is not just an economic activity in RMI but also crucial for local livelihoods and food security. Both oceanic and coastal fishing play a key part in the local culture and traditional knowledge, with techniques passed down through generations. As a key economic pillar, the sustainability of fisheries to the RMI is essential for its economic growth and prosperity. RMI is a member and the host of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement, which is dedicated to pioneering the conservation and management of tuna fish stocks and limiting the bycatch of other species13. Additionally, as part of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Forum Agency, the RMI and other members have been applying innovative and world-leading approaches for sustainable fisheries management, including mechanisms such as Harmonized Minimum Terms and Conditions for Access by Fishing Vessels, which contain detailed conditions for fisheries access. However, this important economic sector to RMI and the Pacific is under threat from climate change. Climate-driven redistribution of tuna threatens not only to disrupt Pacific SIDS’ economies, but the sustainable management of the world’s largest tuna fishery14. In addition, ocean acidification, marine heatwaves and coral bleaching will impact coral reefs and coastal fisheries, thereby affecting fisheries needed for RMI livelihoods, and incur losses and damages. RMI is employing the Reimaanlok approach to continue developing resource management plans across the atolls in order to better manage coastal fisheries safeguard cultural heritage to support livelihoods in the outer atolls. Majuro Atoll, RMI 12 Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority, Annual Report (2021) 13 Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) | www.pnatuna.com 14 Written statement of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) 12 Agriculture Currently, agricultural production (excluding fisheries) represents a relatively small proportion of the RMI economy (around 4% of GDP) but is a critical source of livelihood, especially on the outer islands. The principal commercial crops are coconuts and breadfruit. Copra, the dried-out meat of coconuts, currently accounts for only about 1% of GDP. The value chain of copra and coconut plantations rehabilitation and replanting continues to be championed as key pathways to promote economic development and income generation (NAP, 2023). The agricultural sector is a key focus area to improve the resilience of the Marshallese, which is identified as one of the five strategic areas supporting the economic development pillar of the National Strategic Plan 202015, and is prioritized in Agenda 2030, especially in the context of national food security. The Agriculture Sector Plan 2021-203116 provides guiding principles which state that agriculture in RMI should contribute to economic, social and environmental sustainability through job creation and food resilience. It is estimated that currently only 20% of the food supply is produced locally. This reliance on imported foods for the diet of Marshallese is a priority issue that the sector plan will address by increasing locally grown foods and improving the engagement of households in agricultural activities. An increase in locally produced food will ensure a healthier diet for the household and in the long term contribute to decreasing incidence of non-communicable diseases. And although given the difficulty of data-gathering and the relatively small amount of agricultural activity, we do not currently measure GHG emissions from agriculture, an increase in locally grown food should also reduce emissions through a decrease in imports. Climate change has been identified as one of the major challenges to RMI’s agriculture sector. Temperature increases are likely to change the duration of crop growing seasons; increase the amount of water needed, and lead to greater spread of pests and diseases. Sea level rise affects agriculture crops in two major ways: saltwater intrusion and loss of coastal land due to inundation. Climate change will also affect crops and livestock production through changes in rainfall, particularly during La Niña years when droughts are most likely to occur. Resilient Coastal Development The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in coordination with the World Bank is working towards a Sustainable Shoreline Development Policy (SSDP) for Majuro, which will include guidance on nature-based solutions and conservation of seagrasses and nearshore coral habitat conservation, as well as facilitate better-coordinated development through EPA’s Earthmoving Permit process. The areas surrounding the shoreline are important for many purposes including the carbon sequestration capacity of wetlands. VI. Loss and Damage RMI is already experiencing loss and damage, through both extreme and slow onset events, including droughts, food shortages, and the destruction of property and land. This 15 National Strategic Plan 2020 16 Agriculture Sector Plan 2021-2031 13 has forced RMI institutions to spend money on recovery, which could otherwise have been spent on other development priorities like health, education and economic development. RMI’s objective is to ensure that every Marshallese citizen that experiences loss or damage as a result of the climate crisis has recourse to public finance in order to respond to, at least, the immediate impacts on themselves and their family. Achieving this objective will require significant resources, particularly as impacts increase. As global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, climatic changes are impacting Marshallese economy and culture. RMI plans to develop a framework for responding to economic and non-economic losses from climate change, with financial support from the Government of New Zealand. Possible losses will include those attributable to climate change-induced redistribution of stocks from Pacific Islands Fisheries Forum Agency (FFA) Members’ Exclusive Economic Zones into the high seas (to the extent that alternative mechanisms are not found to protect FFA Members’ fisheries rights under these circumstances), as well as any climate change- induced reductions in the biomass of these fishery resources. The Marshallese culture is based on land ownership, and the loss of land from climate change endangers our traditional social system. The loss of land equals the loss of identity and societal standing, which threatens the Marshallese social system. Assessment and resource management plans are being conducted across the atolls to inventory the properties, collect the heritage data, identify community cultural experts, and conduct community consultations, in order to document the physical impacts of climate change. The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage is therefore of the essence to SIDS and RMI. Its setup and adequate capitalization should be prioritized in order to address the needs of RMI and others who are facing detrimental impacts to economies and societies. VII. Gender and Human Rights In its Tile Til Eo 2050 Strategy, RMI committed to mainstream gender considerations and a human rights-based approach in all aspects of RMI’s policy and legislative development, adoption and implementation in relation to climate change. Climate change threatens the human rights of our communities and individuals, including our rights to life, to work, to practice our culture, access to food, housing, and education, and enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of living, with some groups disproportionately more affected than others. The below showcases how some of those groups are experiencing climate impacts. Gender RMI committed to achieving SDG 5: Gender Equality and implementing the Gender Work Programme under the UNFCCC. Climate change disproportionately impacts women and girls in RMI. Traditionally, Marshallese culture emphasized clear gender roles in which the matrilineal land tenure system afforded women decision-making power and women contributed to fishing, canoe building, and navigation activities. Missionary activities, colonization, and nuclear testing, among other factors, have driven shifts in gender norms. 14 The impact of climate change on women is especially pronounced in the outer atolls. Climate change risks and disasters expose them to economic hardship, unemployment, health issues, gender-based violence, limited access to justice, and increased poverty and marginalization. Achieving gender justice in the context of climate change requires ensuring that women have equal access to decision-making, education, and resources to participate fully in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. RMI’s objective is to ensure that every Marshallese woman is empowered to lead climate action initiatives and access opportunities without facing gender-based violence, or barriers to participation, fostering an inclusive and resilient society where women’s voices are central in shaping sustainable solutions for their communities and RMI’s future. By addressing the intersection of gender and climate, RMI is committed to creating more inclusive, effective solutions that not only tackle environmental issues but also promote social and economic equity. Majuro Atoll, RMI RMI has been a strong advocate and leader among the Pacific on closing the gender equality gap, serving as the host of the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in 2024 where all parties reaffirmed their commitments to gender equality, social inclusion, 15 and disability inclusion, recognized the importance of improving collection of sex, age, and disability disaggregated data, and uplifted the importance of gender responsive budgeting and climate finance tools for equity and economic prosperity. Children and Youth Children and young people are among the most vulnerable to climate change. In 2020, RMI’s Human Capital Index was 42, meaning children born in that year were likely to be only 42% as productive when they reach adulthood as they otherwise would have been with better access to education and improved health17. Their developing immune systems increase their risk of communicable and noncommunicable diseases, such as dengue fever, that are exacerbated by climate change. And, their limited resources and decision-making power increase their vulnerability to climate shocks, which often result in losses in education and nutritious food access. Further, young people have been forced to migrate in order to provide for their families. RMI recognizes the fundamental role Early Childhood Development (ECD) plays in the context of socio-economic development and climate change policies, and commits to prioritize ECD when it comes to climate change. RMI has been advocating for the integration of ECD and climate change at the global and regional levels (i.e., Pacific Regional Council for ECD), to champion continuous mainstreaming to drive action at the national level. To that end, RMI plans to systematically integrate ECD and climate change both at the agency and program levels, as well as prioritizing climate-proofing infrastructure such as homes and schools which contribute to ECD. RMI is committed to implementing initiatives that protect and promote the rights of children and young people, including their right to fully participate in climate change decision-making spaces. Plans include engaging with youth groups on climate action, strengthening intergenerational collaboration in climate decision-making, and taking care of our young populations to heart in each climate action project. Children and young people are not only vulnerable to climate impacts, but they can also be powerful agents of change, with the proper support. Internally Displaced Persons Though adaptation efforts including land reclamation or elevation may enable some communities to remain in their homes despite some degree of sea level rise, some RMI communities could be forced to move. This forced displacement would have extensive and intractable human rights impacts, starting with the loss of homes and property and their corollary right to freedom of movement and choice of residence18. As reported by the Internal Displacement Monitoring centre, RMI is increasingly experiencing new disaster displacements across the atolls. RMI is part of several regional processes aimed at managing displacement, including by engaging in the process of developing the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility. 17 Climate Security Risk Assessment 18 The Republic of the Marshall Islands' input to the Special Rapporteur’s report on: “Promotion and protection of human rights in the context of mitigation, adaptation, and financial actions to address climate change, with particular emphasis on loss and damage” 16 Further efforts on policy and measures to tackle internal displacement are planned. This is also relevant to the National Adaptation Pathway (NAP, 2023), which assesses the consequences of sea-level rise over several decades, and how that would impact internal migration. VIII. Governance, Institutional Arrangements and Stakeholder Engagement RMI is committed to the continuous improvement of its institutional arrangements and stakeholder engagement to maintain the ownership of climate solutions, to increase inter- institutional collaboration, and to keep climate solutions in line with traditional values. RMI strives to enhance empowerment, ownership and responsibility when it comes to climate planning and implementation. The Tile Til Eo Committee (TTEC) serves as the national body overseeing climate change response. Co-chaired by the Minister of Environment and the Chief Secretary, the TTEC directs and coordinates activities across multiple sectors, from mitigation and adaptation planning to global reporting requirements. The TTEC includes working groups for mitigation, adaptation and cross-sectoral coordination. RMI strives for an all-of-government approach to implement national climate action, which requires multiple government departments and agencies to coordinate their actions, resources, and strategies to address complex challenges or to achieve common goals. RMI also seeks to foster an all-of-society approach to implementing climate action initiatives. Tackling climate change will not only require new programs and policies, but new attitudes and behaviors. In addition to encouraging participatory decision-making to ensure all community members are able to inform key decisions, RMI is committed to enhancing communication and collaboration efforts with schools, community centers, and media outlets that are instrumental in disseminating knowledge and cultivating awareness about the impending climate risks and necessary counteractive measures to safeguard our natural and cultural heritage, economy, and communities. Additionally, RMI will identify community champions’ taking successful climate mitigation and adaptation actions and roll-out incentive programs to bolster community involvement. A vital aspect of development planning in RMI is the Reimaanlok Approach, as all land in the country is under traditional ownership, which necessitates consultation with traditional landowners in order for any development to proceed. The Reimaanlok Approach not only guided consultations for the NAP but is expected to also play a crucial role in informing its implementation. It employs community-based tools and approaches to articulate local objectives that translate to national, regional and international goals. Economic development and resilience are essential components of adaptation because a more prosperous society will have more resources, individually and collectively, to adapt to climate change. A vital strength of the Reimaanlok Framework is its underpinning objective of merging conservation practices from the biophysical sciences with traditional community-based atoll practices and processes to achieve mutually agreed outcomes. RMI is enhancing its policy environment on gender to emphasize its commitment to mainstreaming gender equality in every policy, program, and initiative through the National Gender Mainstreaming Policy (2015), the Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs Report on “Gender Equality – where do we stand?” (2018), and the more recent Gender Equality Act 17 (2019) and National Adaptation Plan (2023). Additionally, the National Disaster Management Office has initiated a Gender and Protection Cluster to better inform gender-responsive disaster planning and management. In addition, RMI is committed to promoting gender equality in climate-related decision- making. RMI plans for capacity-building programs on gender and climate change to be delivered across the government, education facilities and communities. Data collection disaggregated by sex, age and disability will inform and guide the development and implementation of targeted programs and projects. Women and girls are valuable stakeholders in identifying and addressing the climate change concerns of their communities. In addition to political commitments, RMI has taken significant steps to strengthen gender-responsive climate action, such as establishing the Outer Islands Solar Training for Women through the National Energy Office and partnering with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank to strengthen the incorporation of gender- responsive budgeting in alignment with local policies. 18 Majuro Atoll, RMI RMI is committed to intergenerational collaboration and inclusion of youth in its climate process. In an island community like the RMI, where heritage is deeply rooted in the responsibility to care for future generations, the perspectives of youth and children are invaluable in addressing climate change. They represent the future of RMI communities, and their lived experience can offer insights into the long-term impacts of climate change. Children and young people are not only witnesses to changes that are defining their future but the wisdom passed down through generations fighting for RMI. RMI plans to build the capacity of children and youth stakeholders to engage in climate decision-making and programming for collaborative implementation of the NDC and NAP. For example, in order for the NAP to be responsive to the needs and values of the people of the RMI, Jo-Jikum, a Marshallese non-profit youth organization, conducted community consultations conducted using multiple methods were used in 123 days of site visits across 15 atolls and islands to consult with 1,362 people (3% of the national population), which included the youth in the outer atolls19. In addition to increasing climate change and gender equality training and education in schools, RMI is committed to developing young negotiators that can represent RMI at the international negotiations, ensuring their representation in forums and events, providing strategic training for public sector officials to engage with children and youth effectively, identifying new economic pathways for their role in the just transition, and providing training to reconnect them with cultural heritage that informs our approach to climate action at all levels. IX. Enablers and Corresponding Needs In order to implement RMI’s priorities listed in this NDC, the previous NDCs, and the corresponding climate-related policies and laws, national and international challenges and obstacles need to be thoroughly and continuously addressed. Enabling Environment RMI prioritizes its enabling environment to comprehensively and effectively plan and implement its mitigation and adaptation priorities. Numerous conducive policies20 tackling different sectors have been adopted to tackle all climate impacts and risks, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These policies have been the basis for stakeholder engagement, resource mobilization, and priority-setting. Moreover, RMI is committed to anchoring climate action in legal foundations to safeguard its atolls and islands’ future. Several laws and acts21 have been passed by the Nitijela to direct efforts and protect Marshallese citizens, economy and ecosystems from the impacts of climate change. RMI seeks to constantly improve its enabling environment by assessing policy gaps and needed updates and address the national challenges that hinder the effective implementation of its climate goals. 19 Full details in the International Organization for Migration, Jo-Jikum, Marshall Islands Conservation Society, The University of Melbourne, and Wutmi United Together Marshall Islands. 2023 “My heritage is here” Report on Consultations with Communities in the Marshall Islands in Support of the Development of the National Adaptation Plan. International Organization for Migration: Majuro. 20 Electricity Roadmap (2018), National Infrastructure Investment Plan (2020) 21 Disaster Risk Management Law (2023), Coast Conservation Act (1998) 19 Climate Finance The importance of climate finance to RMI’s security cannot be understated. In order for RMI to maintain its economic and social prosperity, climate finance is not only needed to support low-emission solutions and adaptation measures, but to compensate for the loss and damage caused by other nations’ greenhouse gas. RMI is committed to securing funding for its climate plans, and dedicated to ensuring implementation is fit-for-purpose and culturally relevant. RMI institutions work with partners and the global community to access climate finance for all its sectors. Key partnerships have been established with several donors both multilaterally and bilaterally to design and implement projects and programmes which ensure energy security and overall resilience. RMI sincerely appreciates the commitment of its global and regional partners in contributing to its climate goals, and counts on their continued support to achieve the targets and priorities listed in this NDC. A costing analysis for adaptation and mitigation priorities is also being formulated to direct funds optimally, supported by the Asian Development Bank. RMI institutions are also working on being accredited to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to attract more substantial, long-term concessional funding for green and climate investments. RMI is also working towards more sustainable and predictable climate finance. In 2022, the Marshall Islands Resilience and Adaptation (MIRA) Trust Fund Act was adopted by RMI’s Nitijela. The purpose of the Fund is to ensure that the ‘people, Government, and the Republic adapt and build resilience to the impacts of climate change and endure and survive as a viable and recognized people, Government and nation into the future’. The Fund will support RMI’s long-term climate change adaptation and resilience-building efforts. The sustainable capitalization of the MIRA Trust Fund is essential to the government’s ability to effectively plan and oversee its national strategies against climate change impacts in the long-term. In addition to exploring existing sources of climate finance, RMI seeks opportunities to identify innovative sources of finance. RMI prioritizes peer-to-peer exchange with other SIDS on novel generation of finance for climate action which is specific to island and atoll states. RMI has spearheaded efforts, along with its island partners, to deliver a levy on maritime shipping that would provide vital revenue to respond to climate impacts, and has championed innovative forms of climate finance as a member of the Global Solidarity Levies Taskforce. Despite all these efforts, a lack of resources has presented considerable delays to implement climate action in RMI. This has impacted the implementation of RMI’s two previous NDCs, and if global reforms and commitments continue to be slow and inadequate, it will also impact this NDC’s implementation, and thus RMI’s national security. The amount of available climate finance for developing countries, particularly SIDS, and consequently for RMI, is insufficient to meet mitigation and adaptation needs. The inadequacy and unpredictability of global finance is impacting RMI’s resilience plans. With the growing adaptation and loss and damage needs that come with increasing global greenhouse gas emissions, more radical and expensive measures will be needed to protect communities. For example, in RMI, protecting atolls from sea-level rise ranges between hundreds of millions of US dollars, to 35 billion US dollars for hard infrastructure alone, depending on the extent of sea-level rise. 20 Moreover, RMI has benefitted from climate finance to fund pilot projects which have proven to be successful, but has struggled to secure finance to scale-up these measures nationwide and sector-wide. Stalling climate finance from public sources, coupled with the lack of appetite from the private sector to invest in SIDS or in adaptation, severely jeopardizes the ability of RMI to implement climate action at scale. This is in addition to the ensuing costs for maintenance and replacement of low-carbon technologies, and the magnitude of those costs. Delayed access to climate finance poses an additional barrier. The numerous procedures RMI needs to go through to access finance from different organizations take considerable effort and time. The lead time it takes from securing a project’s approval to receiving the funds is counted in years, which is counter-productive to addressing urgent adaptive needs and emission reduction ambitions. This has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which delayed approvals and funding to RMI. Climate policy implementation has been considerably impacted; for example, RMI’s Electricity Roadmap was adopted 7 years ago, but funding for its implementation is still not fully secured. Moreover, the conditions to access climate support often include co-financing requirements from RMI, which poses an additional layer of conditions impeding flexible access. Given RMI’s geographical, cultural and capacity contexts, projects and programmes need to be tailored for national relevance and effective implementation. Multilateral Development Banks, bilateral donors and others design standardized support to all developing countries, as well as impose difficult conditions on the source of materials, which is often not fit-for-purpose for SIDS. This presents further delays in the disbursement of climate finance due to the long time it takes to undergo project customization with partners. This is in addition to the project-by-project approach employed by most donor agencies and MDBs, which hinders the RMI government from implementing its policies with the urgency and versatility required as climate impacts increase. Direct budgetary support to RMI from partners is scarce, even though it is one of the best forms of climate finance RMI can receive since it allows for flexibility to respond to priorities and urgent needs. RMI has advocated across several international platforms for a fit-for-purpose financial system which considers the unique and urgent needs of SIDS. Further delays in implementing reforms will jeopardize RMI’s progress towards resilience, and the implementation of this NDC. 21 Majuro Atoll, RMI Science and Data Scientific information and other data constitute the backbone of evidence-based decision- making in RMI, to understand future climate scenarios and their impacts. Robust data is crucial for assessing potential risks and impacts to communities and livelihoods, as well as supports the measurability of progress of RMI’s climate targets. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks are common in RMI’s policy-making practice, i.e., the NAP’s M&E framework highlights data as a key element to effectively implement the different priorities under the different action plans. To that end, the National Energy Office (NEO) has launched its website which includes crucial information on energy, including fuel consumption in RMI. Moreover, in order to enhance its understanding on the impacts of sea-level rise in Majuro, RMI used Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), a remote sensing technology, to visualize the encroachment of the ocean. In addition, RMI uses Structure from Motion (SfM) technology which employs topographic and bathymetric data to assess vulnerability and sea-level rise. This type of information helps inform policies, investment decisions, and engage effectively with affected communities, limiting community engagement fatigue. In addition, through the PREPII project by the World Bank, RMI has installed radios which rely on solar power across the country to support emergency communications. More on the weather side of Early Warning for All (EW4All), a Green Climate Fund (GCF) project called Climate Information Services for Resilient Development in the Pacific aims to install wave buoys on some locations throughout the RMI to help increase capacity on more accurate and timely ocean related data. Inundation data is also crucial for more targeted action, and to that end, a Global Environmental Facility (GEF) project with the Marshall Islands Conservation Society (MICS) is carrying out a terrestrial biophysical survey of the outer island, including flood risk assessments. RMI needs additional targeted support to produce, analyze and store data needed to understand climate impacts and act accordingly. Capacity-Building In order to scale up implementation of RMI’s mitigation and adaptation policies, and fully achieve its resilience goals, there is a need to build national capacities. RMI institutions and communities continue to require capacity-building to advance their ability to iteratively identify their climate needs and gaps, and to optimize implementation and financing to address these once identified. In order to scale-up sectoral action and the uptake of low-carbon resilient technology, RMI needs to build and sustain an appropriately skilled workforce through measures such as vocational education, apprenticeships and ongoing training, and long-term advisory support such as mentoring. Importantly, these steps should simultaneously continue to encourage women to join and remain in the workforce in all roles. Moreover, as mentioned in its NAP, RMI intends to undergo a labor market analysis to show current gaps and also future requirements for the private and public sector followed by an implementation and training and capacity building plan to have those skills in the country starting from early age in high school and appropriate scholarships. 22 RMI also prioritizes public capacity-building and awareness on climate change and its impacts. As part of the NAP, a public awareness campaign is planned to address all sectors and levels of the community. Moreover, a public education program is planned to be instilled in schools curricula, high school and skills and vocational programs linked to livelihood programs (NAP, 2023). Technology The use of best available technologies for both adaptation and mitigation priorities will accelerate RMI’s path to resilience. In addition to traditional methods of adaptation, technology is essential to protect the Marshallese citizens and economy against the adverse impacts of climate change in all sectors, whether it is Nature-Based Solutions, sea walls, or renewable energy producing methods. As depicted in this NDC, technologies for both mitigation and adaptation need to be adapted for SIDS, including RMI. RMI already engages with global and regional partners in that respect, either adapting global technologies to the RMI context, or innovating with partners on new technologies. The majority of RMI’s climate projects are technology- focused. However, the lack of SIDS-focused research and development has impacted the level of climate technology uptake in RMI. 23 Majuro Atoll, RMI X. Information to facilitate clarity, transparency and understanding (ICTU)

1 Quantifiable information on the reference point (including, as appropriate, a base year) (a) Reference year(s), base year(s), reference Base year: 2010. period(s) or other starting point(s) (b) Quantifiable information on the reference Estimate of total GHG emissions in the base year indicators, their values in the reference year(s), (2010) ~185 Gg CO2-e. base year(s), reference period(s) or other starting point(s), and, as applicable, in the target year (c) For strategies, plans and actions referred to in Not Applicable Article 4, paragraph 6, of the Paris Agreement, or policies and measures as components of nationally determined contributions where paragraph 1(b) above is not applicable, Parties to provide other relevant information (d) Target relative to the reference indicator, A reduction in GHG emissions of at least 58% expressed numerically, for example in below 2010 levels by 2035. percentage or amount of reduction (e) Information on sources of data used in The estimate of “~185 Gg CO2-e” for RMI’s 2010 quantifying the reference point(s) emissions was included in RMI’s INDC and its subsequent NDCs. The INDC details the data sources used. (f) Information on the circumstances under which Recognizing existing data gaps, RMI’s planned the Party may update the values of the GHG inventory, to be included in its upcoming reference indicators Biennial Update Report, will provide any necessary revisions to the 2010 baseline figure. Any changes to metrics and methodologies used will be in accordance with decisions agreed by the CMA and will be transparently reported.

2 Time frames and/or periods for implementation (a) Time frame and/or period for implementation, 1 January 2031 to 31 December 2035. including start and end date, consistent with any further relevant decision adopted by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA) 24 (b) Whether it is a single-year or multi-year target, Single-year. as applicable

3 Scope and coverage (a) General description of the target An absolute GHG emissions reduction target covering all significant sectors and gases. (b) Sectors, gases, categories and pools covered The key contributing sectors covered are: by the nationally determined contribution, ● Electricity generation including, as applicable, consistent with ● Domestic transport (land, sea and air) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ● Waste management (IPCC) guidelines ● Other (cooking and lighting) The key contributing gases covered are: ● Carbon dioxide (CO2) ● Methane (CH4) ● Nitrous Oxide (N2O) (c) How the Party has taken into consideration The same categories of anthropogenic emissions paragraph 31(c) and (d) of decision 1/CP.21 indicated in the 2015 INDC and previous NDC submissions have been maintained. RMI will continue to strive to expand the accuracy of data gathered on all gases and sources, and will update its NDC as appropriate, as better data becomes available. (d) Mitigation co-benefits resulting from Parties’ Not Assessed adaptation actions and/or economic diversification plans, including description of specific projects, measures and initiatives of Parties’ adaptation actions and/or economic diversification plans

4 Planning processes (a) Information on the planning processes that the Party undertook to prepare its nationally determined contribution and, if available, on the Party’s implementation plans, including, as appropriate (i) Domestic institutional arrangements, public RMI’s NDC was prepared by the Climate Change participation and engagement with local Directorate and the National Energy Office, with communities and indigenous peoples, in a input from the Environmental Protection Agency, gender-responsive manner the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Finance, the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority and the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Marshall Islands Cultural and Historic Preservation Office. 25 The NDC was approved by the inter-departmental Tile Til Eo Committee and authorized for submission by the Cabinet of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The RMI Government is committed to a transparent and ongoing engagement with all stakeholders including local governments, civil society organizations, traditional and faith leaders, youth and communities, the private sector and academia of the Marshall Islands in the preparation and implementation of its national and international climate change policies. This NDC, and the numerous reports and strategies it draws on, reflect this extensive and ongoing process of consultation. See further above (Section VIII - Institutional Arrangements and Stakeholder Engagement). (ii) Contextual matters, including, inter alia, as See further above (see Section II - IX) appropriate: a. National circumstances, such as geography, climate, economy, sustainable development and poverty eradication b. Best practices and experience related to the preparation of the nationally determined contribution; c. Other contextual aspirations and priorities acknowledged when joining the Paris Agreement (b) Specific information applicable to Parties, Not Applicable including regional economic integration organizations and their member States, that have reached an agreement to act jointly under Article 4, paragraph 2, of the Paris Agreement, including the Parties that agreed to act jointly and the terms of the agreement, in accordance with Article 4, paragraphs 16-18, of the Paris Agreement (c) How the Party’s preparation of its nationally RMI has considered in particular the obligations determined contribution has been informed by arising from the Global Stocktake outcome the outcomes of the global stocktake, in (Decision 1/CMA.5) in respect of the form, scope, accordance with Article 4, paragraph 9, of the timing, and ambition of NDCs and endeavoured to Paris Agreement meet them through this document. In particular, RMI is committed to the emission reduction outcomes of Paragraph 28 and 33 of the decision, including through our domestic 26 contributions toward these global goals, commitments and efforts. Much of our domestic action on these outcomes is set out in the mitigation section above as well as our Tile Til Eo 2050 Strategy and sectoral strategies. To summarise: Tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030 RMI’s Electricity Roadmap sets out the potential technology pathways for reaching net zero energy systems by 2050 and the major steps that need to be taken to reduce reliance on our diesel generators and increase the provision of renewable energy capacity. This projected that renewable energies would provide around two- thirds of RMI’s electricity generation needs by 2030. Taking those steps in a timely manner will depend strongly on support from RMI’s international partners. RMI will regulate its energy sector through a forthcoming Energy Bill to increase the uptake of renewable energy. Majuro and Ebeye offer significant opportunities on the supply side to improve the efficiency of generation and reduce distribution losses. Businesses, the government and households in these urban centers also offer significant opportunities for energy savings through energy efficient appliances, better maintenance, improved building design and construction, and changing the way people use energy. We expect such demand and supply side energy efficiency measures to reduce overall demand by around 15% through to 2050. Accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power RMI is neither a coal producer nor consumer. We will continue our efforts as part of the Powering Past Coal Alliance to encourage other Parties to end their production and consumption of coal. 27 Accelerating efforts globally towards net zero emission energy systems, utilizing zero- and low- carbon fuels well before or by around mid-century RMI’s 2030 NDC commits us to reducing GHG emissions economy-wide by 32% below 2010 levels by 2025, with additional targets of 45% by 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050. Assuming that we meet our sectoral emission reduction targets for waste, transport and other sectors, in order to meet our national emissions reductions targets RMI’s electricity sector will need to reduce GHG emissions, and therefore diesel use, to at least 65% below 2010 levels by 2030. At the same time, demand for the services provided by electricity will be going up. The 2018 Electricity Roadmap developed technical options to get as close to RMI’s net zero 2050 target as possible, although it found that current technologies meant this would be both difficult and expensive. It was expected that, over time, technologies would improve, and costs would decrease, putting these targets in closer reach. We have already seen huge global cost decreases in solar power, which RMI is starting to take advantage of, and we continue to work steadfastly towards net-zero energy systems by 2050. Transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science As a member of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, the Powering Past Coal Alliance, and the Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty Initiative, RMI has been and continues to be a strong advocate for the rapid transition away from fossil fuels in line with pathways limiting global warming to under 1.5 degrees. We will continue to advocate in the UNFCCC and the IMO for swifter action to transition away from fossil fuels. 28 RMI is not a fossil fuel producer, but we encourage producers to collectively plan a just, fair and orderly transition away from fossil fuels. Domestically RMI will implement key measures detailed in this NDC such as replacing power plant diesel generators with clean energy technologies, and transform our maritime and land transport as a further contribution to the global collective goal. Accelerating zero- and low-emission technologies, including, inter alia, renewables, nuclear, abatement and removal technologies such as carbon capture and utilization and storage, particularly in hard-to- abate sectors, and low-carbon hydrogen production In addition to an increase in solar energy uptake across the atolls, including through decentralized PV technologies, RMI is also exploring innovative technologies which fit with its environment such as Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). RMI is currently piloting a demonstration OTEC project that it hopes will prove both replicable and scalable. Nuclear energy is not contemplated in our energy planning, and entails unique sensitivies given the history of nuclear weapons testing in RMI. While we recognize there may be a role for carbon capture and storage in the longer term for dealing with the hardest-to-abate sectors, we do not see it having a significant role to play in abating emissions in the energy sector or in achieving the rapid emission reductions required this decade in RMI. Accelerating and substantially reducing non- carbon-dioxide emissions globally, including in particular methane emissions by 2030 RMI’s moves away from landfill and fossil fuel use in energy generation and transport, and improvements to its wastewater treatment as detailed in this NDC, will all contribute to reductions in RMI’s methane emissions. Accelerating the reduction of emissions from road transport on a range of pathways, including through development of infrastructure and rapid deployment of zero and low-emission vehicles 29 As depicted in Rebbelib 2050 and Tile Til Eo 2050 Climate Strategy, RMI seeks to decarbonize its land transport, to further reduce its dependence on fuels. For example, a pilot project supported by the World Bank is underway to test electric vehicles in Majuro22. Phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or just transitions, as soon as possible RMI is committed to phasing out all fossil fuel subsidies as soon as possible. The government currently provides explicit fuel subsidies for energy for some of its outer islands and free electricity for certain landowners in return for infrastructure easements as well as receiving support for its energy infrastructure from international donors. With RMI’s plan to decarbonize its electricity sector, the need for fossil fuel subsidies will be reduced, as we come closer to fuel independence. As it submits this NDC, RMI is also proud to announce it will join the Coalition on Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Incentives Including Subsidies (COFFIS), joining a group of climate leaders committed to accelerating the elimination of these harmful financial flows. Further emphasizes the importance of conserving, protecting and restoring nature and ecosystems towards achieving the Paris Agreement temperature goal, including through enhanced efforts towards halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems acting as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases and by conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards, in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework RMI values forest conservation as forests constitute an essential part of its food security and offer nature-based solutions to climate impacts. Deforestation is negligible in RMI, but where there are isolated events of tree-felling, the RMI Forest 22 National Energy Office - Projects 30 Action Plan 2020-203023 (FAP) mandates that efforts will be made to promote tree planting and replanting. The FAP also mandates the preservation of native varieties of local food trees (e.g. coconut, breadfruit, pandanus), especially those which are endangered. The RMI is also exploring afforestation as a nature-based solution to climate impacts. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is working towards a Sustainable Shoreline Development Policy for Majuro, which will include guidance on nature-based solutions and conservation of seagrasses and nearshore coral habitat conservation, as well as facilitate better- coordinated development through EPA’s Earthmoving Permit process. The areas surrounding the shoreline are important for many purposes including the carbon sequestration capacity of wetlands. As the custodian of over 2 million km2 of ocean, RMI is at the forefront of ocean conservation. The Micronesia Challenge was a commitment by RMI, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands to preserve the natural resources that are crucial to the survival of Pacific traditions, cultures and livelihoods. The overall goal of the Challenge was to effectively conserve at least 30% of the near-shore marine resources and 20% of the terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020. Building on the successes and accomplishments of the Challenge, the Micronesian Leaders, including RMI, have affirmed their commitment to a new Micronesia Challenge 2030 - a collective approach to effectively manage at least 50% of marine resources and 30% of terrestrial resources across the region, among other targets that are aligned with jurisdictional priorities and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals24. In pursuit of this aim in 2025, the RMI government established the national sanctuaries of Bikar and Bokak, protecting around 48,000 km2 of ocean and atolls25.

23 Marshall Islands Forest Action Plan 2020-2030 | Republic of the Marshall Islands Environment Data Portal 24 RMI Protected Areas Network - Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority

25 Republic of the Marshall Islands Signs First National Marine Sanctuary – Bikar and Bokak Atolls 31 (d) Each Party with a nationally determined contribution under Article 4 of the Paris Agreement that consists of adaptation action and/or economic diversification plans resulting in mitigation co-benefits consistent with Article 4, paragraph 7, of the Paris Agreement to submit information on (i) How the economic and social consequences Not Applicable of response measures have been considered in developing the nationally determined contribution (ii) Specific projects, measures and activities to be implemented to contribute to mitigation co- benefits, including information on adaptation plans that also yield mitigation co-benefits, which may cover, but are not limited to, key sectors, such as energy, resources, water resources, coastal resources, human settlements and urban planning, agriculture and forestry; and economic diversification actions, which may cover, but are not limited to, sectors such as manufacturing and industry, energy and mining, transport and communication, construction, tourism, real estate, agriculture and fisheries

5 Assumptions and methodological approaches, including those for estimating and accounting for anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and, as appropriate, removals (a) Assumptions and methodological approaches RMI’s baseline was calculated using the 1996 used for accounting for anthropogenic IPCC Guidelines. greenhouse gas emissions and removals corresponding to the Party’s nationally RMI will update its national inventories for the determined contribution, consistent with historical series based on the 2006 IPCC decision 1/CP.21, paragraph 31, and Guidelines or any subsequent guidelines that may accounting guidance adopted by the CMA come to replace them. (b) Assumptions and methodological approaches Not Applicable used for accounting for the implementation of policies and measures or strategies in the nationally determined contribution (c) If applicable, information on how the Party will See above take into account existing methods and guidance under the Convention to account for anthropogenic emissions and removals, in accordance with Article 4, paragraph 14, of the Paris Agreement, as appropriate (d) IPCC methodologies and metrics used for See above estimating anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and removals (e) Sector-, category- or activity-specific assumptions, methodologies and approaches consistent with IPCC guidance, as appropriate, including, as applicable 32 (i) Approach to addressing emissions and Not Assessed subsequent removals from natural disturbances on managed lands (ii) Approach used to account for emissions Not Assessed and removals from harvested wood products (iii) Approach used to address the effects of Not Assessed age-class structure in forests (f) Other assumptions and methodological approaches used for understanding the nationally determined contribution and, if applicable, estimating corresponding emissions and removals, including (i) How the reference indicators, baseline(s) The reference indicator corresponds to net and/or reference level(s), including, where emissions and removals as reported in the applicable, sector-, category- or activity-specific greenhouse gas inventory. reference levels, are constructed, including, for example, key parameters, assumptions, definitions, methodologies, data sources and models used (ii) For Parties with nationally determined Not Applicable contributions that contain non greenhouse-gas components, information on assumptions and methodological approaches used in relation to those components, as applicable (iii) For climate forcers included in nationally Not Applicable determined contributions not covered by IPCC guidelines, information on how the climate forcers are estimated (iv) Further technical information, as necessary; Not Applicable (g) The intention to use voluntary cooperation While RMI does not currently envisage making use under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, if of Article 6 mechanisms, RMI does not exclude the applicable possibility of making use of these mechanisms.

6 How the Party considers that its nationally determined contribution is fair and ambitious in the light of its national circumstances (a) How the Party considers that its nationally Given its extreme vulnerability and dependence on determined contribution is fair and ambitious in external support, RMI’s proposed targets are fair the light of its national circumstances and ambitious. (b) Fairness considerations, including reflecting on RMI’s NDC is consistent with a trajectory to equity achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050 at the latest. (c) How the Party has addressed Article 4, RMI has committed in this NDC to a target of paragraph 3, of the Paris Agreement reducing its emissions at least 58% below 2010 levels by 2035, thereby confirming an indicative target first communicated in its 2018 NDC. 33 This 2035 target represents a progression in ambition beyond the target of reducing emissions at least 45% below 2010 levels by 2030, and is consistent with a trajectory to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050 at the latest. It also represents RMI’s highest possible ambition in light of its national circumstances. (d) How the Party has addressed Article 4, The progression in ambition represents an paragraph 4, of the Paris Agreement enhancement of RMI’s mitigation efforts through an NDC containing an absolute emission reduction target covering all sectors and gases. (e) How the Party has addressed Article 4, All of RMI’s strategies, plans and actions for low paragraph 6, of the Paris Agreement greenhouse gas emissions development have been prepared taking into account its special circumstances as an atoll nation.

7 How the nationally determined contribution contributes towards achieving the objective of the Convention as set out in its Article 2 (a) How the nationally determined contribution This NDC is in line with reducing RMI’s greenhouse contributes towards achieving the objective of gas emissions to net zero by 2050. This NDC the Convention as set out in its Article 2 represents RMI’s efforts to reach 1.5 alignment, i.e., in line with IPCC pathways for limiting global (b) How the nationally determined contribution warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre- contributes towards Article 2, paragraph 1(a), industrial levels. Reducing RMI’s GHG emissions and Article 4, paragraph 1, of the Paris will have a negligible impact on achieving the Agreement objective of Article 2.1(a) and Article 4.1 of the Paris Agreement. 34 35 Enenko Atoll, RMI All Photos © Chewy Lin