Against the rising tide: The Marshall Islands' National Adaptation Plan

Situated in the north of the Pacific Ocean, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, particularly sea level rise. Spanning 29 coral atolls and five single islands over a total land area of just 70 square miles with a population of over 40,000, the country faces socio-economic and environmental challenges due to its geographical isolation and increased risk of natural disasters.

As global temperatures continue to climb, Marshallese people are witnessing firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change: widespread coral bleaching, increasingly frequent flooding, intensified cyclones, and severe droughts.

As global temperatures continue to climb, Marshallese people are witnessing firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change: widespread coral bleaching, increasingly frequent flooding, intensified cyclones, and severe droughts.

RMI faces the looming threat of permanent inundation and wave-driven flooding that pose significant challenges to its existence. Some studies indicate that, if current trends continue, many of its low-lying islands may become uninhabitable before the end of the century, underscoring the urgency for swift action to invest in climate adaptation and resilience measures.

In response to these challenges, the Government of RMI collaborated with a World Bank team to develop the Pacific Resilience Program II – RMI Project (PREP II), which is supporting the country to establish emergency communications networks across the country. This includes reforming and modernizing legislation for disaster risk management, preparing a National Adaptation Plan and Sea Level Rise Policy, and developing coastal protection in Ebeye, the most populous island in Kwajalein atoll, highly exposed to 1 m sea level rise.

PREP II is part of the regional Pacific Resilience Program series of projects, offering vital support to selected Pacific Island Countries and regional institutions. The program focuses on multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure investments, disaster risk financing instruments, and capacity building.

A Milestone Achievement: The Marshall Islands’ National Adaptation Plan

A pivotal achievement for PREP II was its vital role in the development of the RMI’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) with the government using World Bank financing and technical assistance to formulate its NAP between 2021 and 2023.

Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the NAP serves as a comprehensive guide for RMI, integrating climate adaptation strategies into national policies and development goals.

Formally adopted by the Cabinet on October 20, 2023, and showcased at COP28 on December 5, 2023, the NAP has gained global recognition.

The adoption of the NAP marks a significant step in affirming RMI's commitment to climate resilience on the global stage. The NAP has been described as the nation’s “survival plan,”. Kathy Jetn̄il-Kijiner, poet and activist serving as the Marshall Islands’ climate envoy, stressed the importance of community involvement in decision-making because it is local communities in RMI who are impacted first and most by climate change.

The adoption of the NAP marks a significant step in affirming RMI's commitment to climate resilience on the global stage.

Developed with a focus on inclusion, gender, and transparency, the NAP reflects RMI's commitment to the principles of effectiveness, efficiency, equity, empowerment, and long-term sustainability. The RMI NAP was developed through consultation with 15 communities and involved youth groups, women’s groups, churches, government ministries, and the private sector for a bottom-up approach to providing a pathway for the survival of the Marshallese people and culture.

Envisioned as a dynamic and adaptable blueprint for resilience through 2150, the NAP aligns with disaster risk management initiatives, combining scientific research with traditional indigenous knowledge. Stakeholder engagement, including international donors working in the country, is crucial to the plan’s success.

The NAP outlines a national adaptation pathway, featuring strategic decision points aligned with sea-level rise projections. To address the substantial cost of adaptation strategies, Marshall Islands is exploring a threefold funding approach: international and regional funds, domestic public finance, and negotiations within the U.S. Compact. This approach seeks to secure resources from the Green Climate Fund and multinational development banks, while also exploring domestic revenues and regional partnerships to optimize global climate finance.

By embracing an "All-Of-Government" and "All-Of-Society" approach, the government is fostering a robust enabling environment for successful NAP implementation. Strong partnerships with donors and ongoing engagement with the broader public serve to both address immediate challenges while also laying the groundwork for a more resilient future. The World Bank is committed to the long-term success of the NAP and as the biggest multilateral funder of climate investments in developing countries. The Bank will continue to help countries like RMI reduce poverty and rise to the challenges of climate change.