National Climate Change Policy Framework,

The present National Climate Change Policy Framework (NCCPF) sets out the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ (RMI) commitments and responsibilities to address climate change. This Policy Framework will guide the development of adaptation and energy security measures that respond to the needs of the RMI, and foster an environment in which the RMI can be better prepared to manage current climate variability and future climate projections. Recognising that a successful response to climate change cannot be achieved in isolation from other development objectives and programs, this Policy is informed by the goals of RMI’s Vision 2018 Strategic Development Plan and contributes to achieving the global Millennium Development Goals. In this context, the vision of RMI NCCPF is Building the Resilience of the People of the Marshall Islands to Climate Change.
The RMI has identified a series of priority climate change areas which represent targets for attention and, in some cases, urgent response. While efforts continue to understand the nature of future climate change, it is clear that the RMI faces major impacts on its communities’ livelihoods and infrastructure from sea-level rise, sea surge, typhoons and rainfall intensity; water and food security issues from changing rainfall patterns and ocean acidification; health issues from rising temperatures and prolonged drought periods, as well as the potential for increasing peak wind speeds and changes to ocean circulation patterns. To prepare for these impacts, the RMI Climate Change Policy Framework presents five strategic goals that provide a pathway to an integrated, whole of Marshall Islands response: 1. Strengthen the Enabling Environment for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, including Sustainable Financing; 2. Adaptation and Reducing Risks for a Climate Resilient Future; 3. Energy Security and Low-Carbon Future; 4. Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery; 5. Building Education and Awareness, Community Mobilization, whilst being mindful of Culture, Gender and Youth.
To ensure the RMI meets these goals, the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC) will oversee the development of a Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management National Action Plan for RMI (Joint NAP). This Joint NAP will identify priority actions needed under each strategic goal, and align these with actions already identified under the RMI National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Management 2008-2018. The outcome will be a comprehensive response to improve the resilience of the people of the Marshall Islands. The RMI National Climate Change Policy Framework aim is to: Foster and guide a national plan of action to address current and short, medium and long term effects of climate change, ensuring to the greatest possible extent that the quality of life of the people of the Marshall Islands and opportunities for sustainable development are not compromised.