Honduras Struggles with Climate Change Policy Implementation

Honduras is ranked as the third most vulnerable country in the world according to the Germanwatch Climate Risk Index 2025. The increasing impacts from hurricanes, floods, and droughts have created a stark paradox, as the government's updated Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC, appears to be more of a statement of intent rather than a viable action plan.

The NDC, which outlines Honduras's climate action targets, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 16% by 2030 and incorporates the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry sector for the first time.

However, experts highlight that the ambitious targets presented do not align with the country's structural realities, including weak institutions and economic limitations. Jose Ramon Avila from the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations notes that although strategic objectives were adopted in the 2021 NDC, there is a severe setback in addressing critical issues that hinder effective climate management.

The lack of political will is exacerbating deforestation and allowing extractive industries to thrive, negatively impacting both the population and the environment. Furthermore, the success of the NDC heavily relies on international financing, which remains uncertain.

Ana Rosario Velasquez from the Honduran Environmental Coalition emphasizes that the current plan lacks financial capacity, implementation schedules, and monitoring mechanisms. The failure of developed nations to meet financial commitments compounds the issue, as expectations for a global financing goal of $1.3 trillion per year fell dramatically short, reaching only $300 billion.

Additionally, the update to the NDC includes the Land Use sector, but Avila warns that without proper regulation and political will, these changes will not yield significant reductions in emissions. Deforestation continues to threaten ecosystems, particularly in the Moskitia region, where illegal activities persist despite investments in reforestation.

Ricardo Pineda from Sustenta Honduras critiques the NDC update as a mere accounting exercise, lacking practical translation into actionable policies. Adaptation efforts are similarly hindered; although the NDC acknowledges the need to bolster community resilience, operational measures such as land use plans and early alert systems are missing.

In coastal communities like Cedeno, residents face severe impacts from climate-related erosion and rising sea levels without adequate government support. With COP30 approaching, experts predict that Honduras will arrive with a weak agenda and little preparation, largely distracted by upcoming elections.

Civil society voices express concern that the country is failing to fulfill its climate commitments due to a lack of political will and coordination. Recommendations include developing an operational plan for the NDC with measurable goals and genuine citizen participation to enhance Honduras's credibility and effectiveness in climate action.