This document presents the country’s updated climate commitments for the period 2025–2035 under the Paris Agreement. Barbados positions climate action as central to its national development trajectory, emphasizing that resilience, mitigation, and adaptation must advance together in a small island developing state highly exposed to climate impacts. The document outlines the country's enhanced ambition to align with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, building on the 2015 and 2021 NDCs and incorporating updated data, sectoral information, and improved methodologies. Barbados reaffirms that while its historical responsibility for global emissions is minimal, it remains committed to contributing its fair share to global climate efforts.
The NDC details national circumstances that shape Barbados’ climate policy, including its geographical characteristics, reliance on tourism, high population density, and exposure to extreme weather events, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, drought, and flooding. These vulnerabilities demonstrate the urgency of coordinated adaptation and resilience measures. The country highlights the rising economic and social costs of climate change and stresses the importance of integrating adaptation into all sectors, including coastal protection, water management, agricultural systems, and public health. Barbados underscores that sustainable development and climate resilience are inseparable goals, particularly in the context of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
At the core of its mitigation commitment, Barbados commits to an absolute 45% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions below 2008 levels by 2035, with conditional targets supported by international finance, technology transfer, and capacity building. The mitigation pathway prioritizes rapid decarbonization of the electricity sector, expansion of renewable energy—aiming for 95% renewables in electricity production by 2035—and substantial improvements in energy efficiency and electrification of transport. Additional contributions include reducing waste generation, improving landfill management with methane flaring, and phasing out clinker production. These measures align with updated projections and the Integrated Resource and Resilience Plan.
Adaptation remains a national priority, reflecting the constraints and needs of a water-scarce and climate-vulnerable island. Key adaptation strategies include strengthening integrated coastal zone management, enhancing water reuse and groundwater protection, improving agricultural resilience, protecting coral reefs and mangroves, and supporting nature-based solutions. Barbados emphasizes that adaptation strategies require significant financing and international support to address the limits of national fiscal capacity, particularly given the country’s high debt burden.
The NDC also outlines institutional and procedural components, including stakeholder engagement, transparency under the Enhanced Transparency Framework, and the need for improved monitoring, reporting, and verification systems. Barbados is expanding institutional capacity through initiatives such as the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency and support from regional and international partners. The NDC stresses that climate ambition will depend on securing adequate climate finance, deploying innovative financial instruments, and reforming international financial systems to address the unique vulnerabilities of small island developing states.
Overall, the Barbados 2025 Second NDC reflects a substantial increase in ambition and a comprehensive effort to integrate climate resilience, mitigation, and sustainable development.