Lebanon’s 2020 Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) reaffirms the country’s commitment to climate action despite its overlapping economic, political, and humanitarian crises. The NDC aims to enhance Lebanon’s mitigation and adaptation ambitions in line with the Paris Agreement. It raises the country’s unconditional greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target from 15% to 20% and the conditional target from 30% to 31% by 2030, compared to the business-as-usual scenario. Additionally, Lebanon commits to increasing renewable energy’s share in electricity and heat demand, and to improving energy efficiency. The updated NDC is closely integrated with Lebanon’s economic recovery plans and sustainable development goals, focusing on inclusive growth, social equity, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
On adaptation, Lebanon prioritizes building resilience in agriculture, water management, biodiversity, coastal zones, public health, and disaster risk reduction, all with gender-sensitive approaches. Key enablers of climate action include institutional capacity-building, climate finance (including a proposed Lebanon Green Investment Facility), research and innovation, and inclusive governance. The NDC highlights the need for substantial international support, including funding, technology transfer, and capacity building, to achieve its goals. Lebanon also emphasizes transparency and intends to report progress through Biennial Transparency Reports. The NDC positions climate action not only as a response to global commitments, but as a central pillar of Lebanon’s long-term development and stability.