Mauritius Prepares for COP31 with Climate Change Challenges

As COP31 approaches, Mauritius is bracing for significant climate change challenges. The country is set to face several pressing issues, including coastal erosion, a water crisis, and extreme weather events. To address these challenges, the government is seeking financial support and has been advised by environmental experts to develop a more aggressive green and blue diplomacy at international forums. This will enable Mauritius to secure the necessary funding to tackle major climate-related issues.

According to Vassen Kauppaymuthoo, an environmental engineer and expert in sustainable development, Mauritius will require at least $5.6 billion over the next 25 years to adapt to climate change. He emphasizes that the country has not fully leveraged its status as a small island developing state to secure sufficient financial support. Despite having a Climate Finance Unit in place, Mauritius still lags behind in international negotiations on green financing. Kauppaymuthoo stresses that the government must develop its capacity to mobilize green and blue financing while enhancing its implementation capabilities.

Sunil Dowarkasing, an environmental expert, questions the effectiveness of COPs in achieving concrete climate action. He notes that despite 30 years of COPs, global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels have increased by over 60% since the adoption of the Climate Convention in 1992. Dowarkasing argues that Mauritius should not attend COP31 with a new statement of intent but rather with a precise bill and binding financial commitments. The country estimates its additional climate financing needs at $5.7 billion for 2026-2035, according to its NDC 3.0.

Mauritius has identified several priority areas for climate financing, including coastal erosion, water crisis, and extreme weather events. For coastal erosion, the focus should be on restoring beaches, dunes, coral reefs, and wetlands, rather than constructing concrete structures. The government aims to rehabilitate water networks to reduce losses, protect watersheds, and promote the reuse of treated wastewater. Additionally, the country plans to strengthen early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and compensation mechanisms for vulnerable populations.

A significant challenge facing Mauritius is the contradiction between its environmental ambitions and policies. For instance, the country aimed to generate 35% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025 but only achieved 17.8%. The energy sector remains heavily reliant on coal and fossil fuels, with coal accounting for 26.4% of primary energy imports. This has resulted in a 3.4% increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 2025, reaching 6.775 million tons of CO2 equivalent.

The country's biodiversity is also under threat, with only 2% of its territory consisting of high-quality indigenous forests. Furthermore, 61 indigenous plant species have become extinct, and 141 endemic plant species in the Mascarene Islands are critically endangered. Environmental experts stress that the government must take concrete actions to address these challenges and ensure the effective implementation of climate projects.

After COP31, the government is expected to establish a clear calendar for implementing climate actions and securing financing. This will involve setting specific targets, mobilizing resources, and developing a robust strategy for achieving its climate goals. Ultimately, Mauritius aims to translate its climate commitments into tangible results and mitigate the impacts of climate change on its environment, economy, and population.

Key points

• Mauritius requires at least $5.6 billion over 25 years to adapt to climate change.
• The country's energy sector remains heavily reliant on coal and fossil fuels.
• Mauritius aims to secure $5.7 billion in climate financing for 2026-2035.