What Are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are climate action plans submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement, an international treaty adopted in 2015 to limit global warming and strengthen global responses to climate change. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global warming. These commitments are crucial in the global fight against climate change, with periodic updates required to enhance ambitions and align with the 1.5°C target set by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The 2025 NDC Update: Where Do Countries Stand?
As of February 2025, only 13 out of 195 signatory nations have submitted their updated NDCs ahead of the February 10, 2025, deadline. Among the leading countries to meet the submission deadline are:
- United States: As of February 2025, the U.S. has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement following an executive order signed on January 20, 2025. Consequently, the U.S. federal government is no longer committed to the emission reduction targets previously set under the agreement. However, a coalition of states within the United States Climate Alliance continues to uphold the objectives of the Paris Agreement, pledging to collectively reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, with a long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050., with a long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The country has implemented policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate clean energy transition and reduce reliance on fossil fuels., with a long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Japan: Targets a 70% emissions reduction from 2013 levels within the next 15 years, relying on renewable energy and nuclear power to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): Pledged a 47% emissions reduction by 2035 compared to 2019 levels, with a focus on transitioning from fossil fuels to solar energy, nuclear power, and waste-to-energy technologies.
- Zimbabwe: The only African nation to meet the deadline, underscoring the climate action gap between developed and developing nations.
Are Current NDCs Enough to Meet the Paris Agreement Goals?
Despite some progress, the overall global climate response remains inadequate. The UNFCCC warns that current national climate plans will only achieve a 2.6% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, far below the required 43% reduction needed to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Furthermore, extreme weather events, including record-breaking heatwaves and intensified hurricanes, underscore the urgent need for more aggressive mitigation efforts. The UNFCCC warns that current national climate plans will only achieve a 2.6% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, far below the required 43% reduction needed to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Key Challenges in Achieving NDC Targets
- Lack of Compliance: Over 180 countries have yet to update their commitments, delaying urgent climate action.
- Insufficient Climate Finance: Developing nations call for increased funding from wealthier countries to support climate adaptation and resilience initiatives.
- Slow Transition from Fossil Fuels: Heavy dependence on coal, oil, and gas continues to hinder meaningful emissions reductions.
The Role of COP30 in Strengthening Climate Commitments
The upcoming COP30 conference in Brazil presents a critical opportunity to:
- Revise NDCs with stronger commitments.
- Push for climate finance agreements benefiting developing nations.
- Accelerate the transition to renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
Conclusion: Urgent Action Needed to Strengthen Global Climate Goals
While countries like the U.S., Japan, and UAE have set ambitious emission reduction targets, the global response is still falling short. To prevent catastrophic climate impacts, immediate and intensified efforts are required to align with the Paris Agreement targets.
The fight against climate change demands urgent, collective, and sustained action.
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This article was written by Marc Tristant from the Green Initiative Team.
