The United Nations Development Programme has handed over Samoa’s Third National Communication on Climate Change and its First Biennial Update Report to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The report outlines Samoa’s greenhouse gas inventory, mitigation and adaptation progress, and key challenges in capacity, finance, and data systems. The First Biennial Update Report, available via the UNFCCC, provides national data through 2020, offering a snapshot of emissions and planned reductions.
Although Samoa’s global emissions are minimal, the report confirms the country is already experiencing serious climate impacts. Local adaptation efforts also include community-led risk mapping, coastal reinforcement, and early warning systems for extreme weather.
The report highlights national efforts in renewable energy, community adaptation, and climate resilience across sectors such as agriculture, water, health, and biodiversity. Renewable electricity generation reached over 32 percent in 2023. The report estimates Samoa will need around US$650 million by 2026 to achieve its climate and resilience targets, equal to 17% of GDP annually, underscoring the scale of investment required.
Speaking at the handover, MNRE CEO Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena said the report “not only reports our realities but guides our ambition… may it inspire all of us to move beyond commitments and into sustained action for a Samoa that not only survives climate change but leads with integrity.”
The Government acknowledged the support of UNDP, the Global Environment Facility, and national partners across government, civil society, business, academia, and communities, who contributed to the reports and the Climate Change and Gender Strategy.
• Total GHG Emissions (2020): ~496,000 tons CO₂e
• Biggest Source: Road transport (27.3%)
• Forest Carbon Removal: -850,000 tons CO₂e (net sink)
• Renewable Energy Share: 38% of electricity generation in 2020
