(Phnom Penh/New York): Cambodia has announced bold new climate goals, pledging to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 55 percent by 2035 compared to a business-as-usual scenario, and charting a path toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth unveiled the commitment during Cambodia’s national statement at the UN Climate Summit in New York, reaffirming the Kingdom’s resolve to contribute to the global fight against climate change despite being one of the most vulnerable countries to its impacts.
“Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement by submitting its NDC 3.0 on August 8. This plan increases the country’s climate ambition, outlining a clear strategy to reduce GHG by up to 55 percent by 2035,” Sophalleth stated.
Ambitious Roadmap
The new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 sets out 163 priority actions across mitigation, adaptation, and enabling measures. Achieving these targets will require an estimated USD 32 billion in international climate financing by 2035.
A central focus is the energy sector, with Cambodia aiming to increase the share of renewables to 72 percent by 2035, phase out coal, promote electric mobility, and safeguard its forests and natural ecosystems. The country’s long-term strategy is guided by the Cambodia Climate Change Strategic Plan 2024–2033, adopted earlier this year.
International Cooperation
Sophalleth emphasized that political stability and long-term planning have shaped Cambodia’s climate policies but stressed that global partnerships are crucial. “Cambodia calls on our global partners to support developing nations with the finance and technology needed to achieve our shared climate goals,” he said.
Looking ahead, the minister urged faster global progress: “Cambodia hopes COP30 in Brazil will accelerate action to fight climate change. We are ready to act, to lead, and to partner for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.”
National Commitment Backed by UN
In September, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) and the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) officially launched NDC 3.0 as Cambodia’s latest climate action plan under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Enrico Gaveglia, UNDP Resident Representative in Cambodia, praised the collaborative effort, noting: “The successful launch of Cambodia’s NDC 3.0 has shown the critical role the entire UN-wide system can offer in creating convergence around issues that require both coordinated and integrated efforts towards 2030 Agenda acceleration.”
Building on Progress
Cambodia’s NDC 3.0 builds upon earlier commitments, setting higher targets for emissions reduction and strengthening adaptation measures in line with national priorities and the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. With stronger policies, international partnerships, and significant investment, the Kingdom aims to position itself as both a vulnerable nation and a proactive leader in the global climate response.
Also read, Building Cambodia’s Cooperative Farming Future with Inspiration from India
