In an international context marked by unprecedented extreme events – from intense heat waves and devastating floods to hurricanes that highlight growing climate instability – the world faces challenges that require swift and coordinated action. This scenario, aggravated by recent turbulence in global environmental policy, such as the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement at a critical moment, creates uncertainty about the planet’s ability to meet the targets set to limit global warming. The absence of one of the main emitters, which has historically contributed significantly to climate imbalance, demonstrates the fragility of international commitments and the need to strengthen governance and transparency mechanisms.

Faced with this scenario full of challenges and intense implications, it is impossible to ignore the intrinsic relationship between extreme weather events and strategic decisions in international politics. This connection between what we experience on a daily basis and global choices leads us to reflect on the urgency of rethinking mechanisms and commitments that can effectively face the uncertainties of the future.

Thus, in 2025, Cape Verde will take fundamental steps in climate governance and transparency with the preparation of its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) and the new generation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) and the approval of the Basic Climate Law. The BTR will make it possible to demonstrate the country’s progress in implementing its climate targets and in mobilizing resources to tackle environmental challenges. In turn, NDC 3.0 will reflect the ambition to reduce emissions and implement adaptation strategies, in line with the guidelines of the Paris Agreement and the priorities of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The Basic Climate Law will consolidate this commitment by establishing a robust legal framework for climate action, ensuring that the country’s environmental and climate policy has legal backing and long-term continuity. This legislation will define guidelines for integrating climate change into sectoral policies, promote the adoption of climate finance instruments and reinforce the obligation to consider climate risks in development planning. In addition, the law will establish institutional mechanisms for climate monitoring and governance, strengthening transparency and the participation of different actors in the implementation of national strategies. These mechanisms increase the credibility of our initiatives in the eyes of the international community and allow for a continuous assessment of the progress made and the challenges that remain.

As part of the Climate Action Program, the Annual Operational Plan (AOP) 2025 represents the final execution cycle of this important program. This AOP, which has a total budget of more than EUR 3 million, is structured around two strategic outcomes that reflect our vision of climate transformation and brings key initiatives for the country’s sustainability and resilience. The main measures include:

• The operationalization of the National Secretariat for Climate Action (SNAC) and the Interministerial Council for Climate Action (CIAC), strengthening climate governance in the country;

• The creation of the Citizen and Climate Forum, promoting the active participation of civil society in the formulation of environmental policies;

• The inclusion of climate markers in the State Budget, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in the allocation of resources for the climate agenda;

• The presentation of the National Strategy for mobilizing climate support, a key instrument for attracting investment and strengthening climate finance, promoting the implementation of mitigation and adaptation actions in a sustainable manner and in line with national priorities.

• The implementation of technical training actions for students, teachers, technicians and decision-makers;

• Carrying out studies on climate vulnerability, climate risks and nature-based solutions.

• Continuing communication and awareness campaigns for different target audiences, with the aim of increasing awareness and literacy about climate change and promoting everyone’s participation in climate action.

• The implementation of adaptation actions in five pilot municipalities (Boa Vista, Brava, Mosteiros, Praia and Ribeira Brava), with the aim of increasing the climate resilience of communities and ecosystems.

On the international stage, the importance of the Thirtieth Conference of the Parties (COP30), which will be held in Brazil in November this year, plays a central role in strengthening climate ambition. This meeting, which brings together global leaders and experts from the sector, will serve as a platform for discussing strategies and setting targets to drive global climate action. Cape Verde’s active participation in COP30 is imperative to demonstrate our commitment and to positively influence the international negotiations, with the support of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), reaffirming the need for a collective and integrated response to the challenges of global warming.

The global situation, marked by climate extremes and political uncertainty, reinforces the importance of countries becoming increasingly self-sufficient in defining and implementing their climate policies. In Cape Verde, this reality is reflected in the adoption of measures ranging from the creation of robust institutional structures to the implementation of concrete adaptation and mitigation actions. Our commitment to transparency, good governance and citizen participation is the guarantee that climate challenges will be met with the determination and creativity needed to turn adversity into opportunity.

Finally, this article is an invitation to reflection and action. It is essential that all citizens, partners, government bodies and civil society get actively involved in the fight against climate change. Every effort, however small it may seem, contributes to strengthening a more resilient, innovative and sustainable Cape Verde.

We therefore invite everyone who believes in a more sustainable future to join us on this journey. May the spirit of cooperation, transparency and commitment to our planet be the driving force behind turning challenges into opportunities and consolidating our role in the global response to climate change. Together, we can build a future where economic, social and environmental development go hand in hand, guaranteeing the protection of our ecosystems and the quality of life of the entire population.

Author

Alexandre Rodrigues
Secretariat for Climate Action