Enhancing Carbon Sinks

Country Description

The Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa along the Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by largely flat plains, with higher mountains in the west. The southern coast has a tropical climate, whilst the north is predominantly savannah. Ivory Coast has among the highest levels of biodiversity globally, but also one of the highest rates of deforestation (PIK, n.d.). Its location, economic structure, and limited adaptive capacity make it one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change (137/187 on the 2025 ND-GAIN Index).

Compared to pre-industrial levels, average temperatures are projected to increase between 1.7°C-3.7°C by 2080 (PIK, n.d.). While precipitation projections remain uncertain, both dry and wet periods are expected to become more extreme (ibid.). Sea level rise poses a significant threat to coastal communities, where much of the population live, as well as water quality and availability due to saline intrusion (ibid.). Coastal fisheries are projected to decline 26 percent by 2050 due to rising temperatures, while changes in rainfall patterns are expected to worsen water availability, soil quality, and, importantly, cocoa yields (GRID Geneva, n.d.). Agriculture, largely subsistence-based and rain-fed, forms the backbone of the economy and is highly vulnerable to rising temperatures and water insecurity. Low adaptive capacity within the agricultural sector further increases its exposure to climate risks  (World Bank Group, 2023).

According to GRID Geneva (n.d.), the Ivory Coast demonstrates strong political will   for climate action, though further efforts are needed to operationalize policies. The country faces challenges related to technical capacity,  coordination, and the mainstreaming of climate policies. Ivory Coast’s REDD+ strategy aims to reduce deforestation, and collaboration with the Cocoa and Forests Initiative seeks to lessen the pressure of cocoa production on the forest ecosystem.  

Country Description

Country Description

Laos, officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia located in the Mekong River Basin. The country has diverse topography, with approximately 80 percent of its land area mountainous and the remaining 20 percent consisting of low-lying plains. Laos experiences two main seasons: the rainy monsoon and the dry season.

The climate is generally hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C during the hotter months. In recent years, however, the country has faced increasing climate risks, including more frequent extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, as well as changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures. As a result, Laos is considered among the countries most vulnerable to projected climate change trends, with the communities increasingly exposed to severe climate-related hazards (World Bank Group, 2021).

These climate change impacts disproportionately affect poorer and more marginalized communities, where agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood. Many households face a high risk of falling into poverty when exposed to extreme weather events (ADB, 2017). In response, since 2015, Lao PDR’s NDCs have been focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation across key sectors, including agriculture, forestry, land use, water resources, energy, transport, urban development, and public health.