Tunisia Aims to Reduce Carbon Intensity by 46.4% by 2030 and 62% by 2035
Tunisia has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon intensity, with a goal of decreasing it by 46.4% by 2030 and 62% by 2035, according to the country's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0. This was discussed at a seminar held in Gammarth over the weekend, focusing on the implementation of the climate policy NDC 3.0.
The revised ambition in the field of mitigation is largely due to the acceleration of the country's energy transition policy, which involves strengthening energy efficiency policies and deploying renewable energy on a massive scale. By 2035, renewable energy is expected to account for 50% of the country's electricity mix.
Tunisia's Initial NDC (2015)
The initial NDC for Tunisia aimed to reduce the country's carbon intensity by 41% by 2030 compared to its 2010 level (the reference year). The implementation of NDC 3.0 will require mobilizing financial resources in the order of $55 billion (approximately 161.29 billion dinars) over the period 2026-2035, split between mitigation (47%) and adaptation (53%), according to the NDC document distributed at the seminar organized by the National Forum for Climate Change Adaptation (FNACC).
Key Features of NDC 3.0
NDC 3.0 includes a first-ever absolute reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions of 34% by 2035 compared to 2010. This reduction confirms Tunisia's commitment to strengthening its climate ambition and achieving a durable and absolute decoupling between economic growth and the evolution of greenhouse gas emissions.
The new NDC has identified quantifiable adaptation targets in seven thematic areas:
- Water resources and sanitation
- Agriculture, fisheries, and food security
- Health and healthcare services
- Ecosystems and biodiversity
- Infrastructure and human settlements
- Cultural heritage and traditional knowledge
- Livelihoods
In addition, complementary and transversal areas have been added, with quantified targets. These areas include capacity building, technology transfer, and support for specific groups.
Continuation of Previous Commitments
NDC 3.0 represents a continuation of the commitments already made under the initial NDC (2015) and the updated NDC (2021) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat.
Despite its relatively low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, Tunisia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. However, the country has consistently demonstrated its commitment to contributing to global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
National Forum for Climate Change Adaptation (FNACC)
The FNACC is a multi-stakeholder platform bringing together civil society, local authorities, the private sector, and the media. With around 120 members, the forum aims to support the territorial implementation of NDC 3.0 and strengthen mobilization, experience sharing, and advocacy for climate change adaptation.
