Overall NDC Equity Score
Emissions Reductions
Average
The NDC’s emissions reduction goal lacks ambition, however, the country provides pathways to lower emissions. Bolivia must present better GHG tracking in order to better prepare for emission reductions and conduct risk assessment.
Gender Justice
Insufficient
The NDC made an effort to acknowledge the disproportionate impacts of climate on women and gender, including those in the indigenous community, but it insufficiently addresses long-term solutions for inclusion.
Youth Inclusion
Insufficient
NDC made an effort to include young people in the NDC development process, but does not provide measures for sustained inclusion.
Summary
Bolivia is exceptional in the climate space due to its variety of ecosystems, ranging from the Amazon jungle to the imposing Andean highlands, passing through the intermediate valleys and areas of the Chaco. In addition, it is classified as one of the 15 most megadiverse countries in the world. The different ethnic groups and indigenous communities, such as the Quechuas, Aymaras, Guaraníes and many others, contribute to the cultural wealth of the country.
Bolivia does not contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, representing only 0.1% of global CO2 emissions. Despite this low contribution, Bolivia is the tenth most vulnerable country in the world against the impacts of extreme climate events, according to the 2021 Global Climate Risk Index.
On gender mainstreaming: Bolivia has integrated the gender perspective as a central element, with the purpose of reducing inequality gaps in all its dimensions, in line with the Plurinational Policy for Climate Change (Política Plurinacional para el Cambio Climático). It recognizes the differentiated impact of climate change on men and women, as well as the fundamental role that women play in aspects such as water management, agricultural production, food and energy security, and resilience in communities.
On youth inclusion: A position on intergenerational justice has not been adopted in this NDC, which leaves young people without significant recognition in the fight against climate change. Although there is a Youth Platform recognized by the government, the efforts are insufficient. It is crucial to strengthen youth presence and influence in decision-making spaces. Although the government addresses other very important positions, it is necessary to involve and take into account the participation and efforts that young people make to achieve a more complete approach.
Highlights
- The NDC raises the recognition of the principles of equity and equal responsibilities among communities; and recognizes the integrality of local knowledge, ancestral and cultural values and practices, and ways of life.
- The NDC approaches gender mainstreaming by aiming to reduce inequality gaps and recognizing the differentiated impact of climate change between men and women.
- There are strategies that identify mitigation and adaptation risks through the use of innovative practices based on science and technology.
- All efforts made for ambitious climate action are aligned to ensure a reductio in poverty in the country.
Lowlights
- Most climate action is conditional on climate finance from the international community.
- There is a lack of information to measure compliance of climate goals: there is not accurate data on GHG emissions, which influences emissions reduction plans.
- There is still a considerable amount of work to be done for gender equality, and this is not prioritize in all governmental mechanisms.
- The NDC does not include youth in the decision-making processes and there is a visible lack of integration of policies benefiting young people.
Key Recommendations
At a global level, Bolivia represents only 0.1% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in greenhouse gases (GHG). Despite this minimal contribution, it is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, mainly due to its limited capacity to adapt. This low capacity is due to the high economic dependence on agriculture, the low gross domestic product, poor inter-institutional coordination, and high levels of poverty and inequality, among others.
It is important to highlight the differentiated impact of climate change on the various vulnerable groups.
For example, of 100% of the Bolivian population, 24% of the population resides in areas with a high risk of flooding and drought, the other 47.8% are indigenous people living in rural areas, whose subsistence depends mainly on natural resources and agriculture.
The other vulnerable groups include women, youth, children, people with disabilities, people in extreme poverty and those with limited access to resources and decision-making spaces.
The following are key recommendations for the improvement of future NDCs and other national climate plans:
For Gender Mainstreaming
- The NDC must include a bigger emphasis on gender equality in order to bridge the gender inequality gaps.
- There needs to be more spaces for participation by indigenous women as decision-makers representing their people or community.
- Bolivia must develop and implement an inclusive Gender Action Plan.
- Train and incorporate indigenous women into Bolivian delegations to form part of the exchange of knowledge in international spaces.
For Youth Inclusion
- Bolivian youth must be recognized as vulnerable to the climate crisis.
- Incorporate specific goals that benefit Bolivian youth for a more sustainable future.
- Allocation of conditional and unconditional budget for the development of projects and programs to benefit youth.
- Include youth in external regulations that are aligned with the NDC.
NDC Ambassador - Author
