Despite producing almost no greenhouse gas emissions, the Comoros is turning climate ambition into action through a $6.6 billion national plan backed by forest restoration, water security projects, and a new geothermal power plant.
Turning climate ambition into action is now central to how the Union of Comoros plans its future. This volcanic archipelago on the Southeastern African side of the Indian Ocean produces almost no greenhouse gas emissions of its own. Yet it faces some of the world’s most severe climate risks.
The country is also a global biodiversity hotspot, home to unique forests and coral reefs. Roughly a fifth of the population already lives in poverty, with another fifth at risk. Cyclones and droughts threaten to push even more families into hardship each year.
In the last decade, two major cyclones have struck the islands hard. Cyclone Kenneth affected 40% of the population in 2019. Cyclone Chido followed in 2024, again damaging homes, crops, and infrastructure.
In March 2026, the Comoros submitted an updated climate plan to the United Nations. The plan, called a Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC, sets ambitious new targets. It aims to cut emissions by 14 to 57 percent by 2035, depending on outside support.
Full implementation of the plan is expected to cost about $6.6 billion by 2030. The UN Development Programme (UNDP), is helping the country secure that funding. Early support has already unlocked millions of dollars from international climate funds.
Adaptation sits at the heart of the country’s climate strategy. The Comoros plans to reforest 8,000 hectares of land over the coming years. It also aims to restore 1,000 hectares of mangroves and 600 hectares of coral reefs.
Agriculture depends heavily on a healthy environment across the islands. Export crops like vanilla, ylang-ylang, and cloves support many rural livelihoods. Protecting these value chains from climate shocks is now a funding priority for UNDP and its partners.
Forest and mangrove restoration could bring added financial benefits over time. The Comoros is exploring carbon credit markets under the Paris Agreement’s Article 6. Its forestry and mangrove sectors may become key assets for future carbon projects.
Water security remains an urgent challenge across the islands. Grande Comore has no permanent rivers and relies mainly on rainfall. The government plans to build 50 micro-dams and restore 6,000 hectares of watersheds.
UNDP has already helped install climate-resilient water infrastructure in more than 50 communities. This work now serves more than 230,000 people across the islands. Local residents help maintain the boreholes, treatment plants, and reservoirs themselves.
Turning climate ambition into action in the Comoros means building on UNDP’s climate-resilient water infrastructure already serving more than 230,000 people across the islands through community-maintained boreholes, treatment plants, and reservoirs. Photo courtesy of UNDP.
Energy remains one of the country’s biggest sources of emissions. Diesel generators currently supply much of the electricity used in Comorian homes. Turning climate ambition into action here means building a cleaner power grid.
A geothermal power plant near the Karthala volcano could help change that. Geoscience surveys have confirmed strong potential for high-temperature energy there. The project is now moving through exploration and risk-reduction studies.
Planners expect the plant to generate around 15 megawatts once complete. Funding partners include the African Development Bank and the Global Environment Facility. Italy is also funding technical support to help make the project attractive to future investors.
Smaller renewable projects are also expanding access to clean power. UNDP is testing solar minigrids on three separate islands. Each design includes ways for women and young people to take part.
Disaster preparedness is another growing focus for the country. New data tools helped teams respond faster after Cyclone Chido struck in 2024. The government is also developing new insurance products for vulnerable communities.
A national disaster risk reduction strategy now guides these efforts through 2030. The plan has already helped attract financing from the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Turning climate ambition into action increasingly means matching local plans with international partners.
The full strategy appears in the country’s official Nationally Determined Contribution, filed with the United Nations. The plan also includes a social inclusion focus on women, youth, and vulnerable groups for the first time.
Electricity access in the Comoros has grown from 46% in 2017 to 71% today. Each new project adds another piece to the country’s climate plan. Turning climate ambition into action, piece by piece, may be this island nation’s clearest path forward.
