The NDC sets out that climate change poses a threat to society, the economy and the Congolese environment. Extreme weather events, rising sea level, the average global temperature increase and unpredictable rainfall patterns have effects on the livelihoods of the population. Accordingly, the changing climatic conditions jeopardise the achievement of medium and long-term development goals, with extreme consequences for the most vulnerable social groups. The most vulnerable sectors are identified as: hydrology and water resources, energy, agriculture, forestry and health.
The NDC sets out the ultimate objectives of the Republic of Congo in terms of adaptation to climate change:
The adaptation objectives set out in the NDC have synergies with disaster risk reduction efforts. For example, included in the objectives for adaptation for the Republic of Congo is population protection through a preventative approach to risk management, particularly in the most threatened areas. This is based on a system of observation of the coastal and marine environment and research to better understand the current climate risks and future. The adaptation strategy includes protecting particularly exposed coastline by physical barriers.
The NDC provides that the protection objectives necessary for adaptation to climate change will require: a necessary assessment of technological needs at the level of the priority sectors; training and support for the appropriation of climate technologies; transfer of adapted technologies; incentives for agriculture in savannah areas. Further, it notes that the Republic of the Congo wishes for assistance from the international community in financing the technical assistance needed to achieve these objectives.
The NDC states that the investments and costs for both mitigation and adaptation measures required by the international community would amount to €5.14 billion for the period 2015 – 2025.