Overall NDC Equity Score
Insufficient
Emissions Reductions
Average
The NDC meets basic expectations in emissions reductions, but is still not ambitious enough
Gender Justice
Insufficient
The NDC makes an effort to acknowledge the significance of gender mainstreaming, but has significant gaps in specific actions aimed at addressing it.
Youth Inclusion
Critically Deficient
The NDC has significant gaps in addressing youth inclusion, potentially ignoring young people entirely.
Summary
As a Least Developed Country (LDC), Lesotho is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. The country is characterized by its mountainous terrain, making it susceptible to erosion, landslides, and water scarcity exacerbated by shifting weather patterns. Agriculture, a vital sector employing the majority of the population, is severely affected by erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts, leading to food insecurity and economic strain. Additionally, Lesotho relies heavily on hydropower for electricity generation, making it susceptible to fluctuations in water availability. This situation reinforces the urgent need for Lesotho to implement effective adaptation strategies while simultaneously calling for heightened international collaboration to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable regions like Lesotho.
Lesotho commits to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 10% below the projected business-as-usual level by 2030. With international support, Lesotho claims it could reduce emissions 35% by 2030. In addition to clear communication of finance needs, the NDC outlines clear implementation actions and adaptation measures.
On gender mainstreaming,Lesotho’s NDC acknowledges the disproportionate vulnerability of women to climate impacts and references a commitment to increase gender mainstreaming in “programs, planning, and policies”, particularly as it pertains to adaptation efforts. Despite this recognition, Lesotho’s NDC does not provide clear indicators for the consideration of gender in the participatory planning processes, neglects the role of women in mitigation efforts, and lacks clearly defined strategies for moving forward on gender transformative efforts.
On youth inclusion, Lesotho’s NDC is tokenistic. The word “youth” is present in only a title and a quote from the Paris Agreement without any reference in that section to youth participation, their role as agents of change, or actions to strengthen youth capacity to act. It’s clear Lesotho understands the need for youth inclusion; however, significant improvements must be made to center young people in the NDC rather than only in a title.
Highlights
- Promotion of sustainable land management practices and early warning systems for climate-related hazards
- Signals intent to expand renewable energy capacity
- Acknowledges the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women and lack of gender balance in many decision-making space
- Quantifies financial aid needed to achieve commitments
Lowlights
- Fails to outline specific actions for long-term youth inclusion and implementation of youth-centered climate action measures.
- Does not provide specific gender mainstreaming indicators in response to climate mitigation or adaptation.
- Falls short in providing adequate opportunities for public engagement and input, thereby hindering inclusivity and transparency in the decision-making process
- Is limited in providing a comprehensive roadmap for addressing emissions across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and transportation
Key Recommendations
Young people and gender diverse community members in Lesotho have an important role to play in contributing to and monitoring the state’s NDC performance. Increasing their role in the design of public policies that seek to combat climate change and environmental degradation is critical for ensuring growth and a sustainable future under climate impacts.
This must include clear indicators of participatory practices, naming of the different ways young people and women are impacted, and clear pathways for more inclusive leadrship. The following are key recommendations for the improvement of future NDCs and other national climate plans in Lesotho:
For Gender Mainstreaming
- Outlining policies that prioritize women's participation and leadership in climate action decision-making processes, with reporting metrics on gender balance
- Recognizing and addressing the differential impacts of climate change on women in all of their diversity
- Implementing measures to support women's resilience and empowerment
- Investing in education and training programs for women in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and other climate-resilient livelihoods
For Youth Inclusion
- Amending the NDC to explicitly outline youth vulnerabilities and mechanisms for youth engagement in climate decision-making processes
- Establishment of youth representation platforms within government bodies responsible for climate action
- Leverage existing youth networks and organizations to amplify youth voices in climate policy discussions, including in consultations for the next NDC
- Provide training and educational resources for young people to engage in climate solutions and in policy-making spaces
- Promote youth-led initiatives and projects aimed at climate mitigation and adaptation
- Include young people in the national climate policy delegations
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