Five Countries Submit Clear, Collective Response to Cut Emissions at NY Climate Summit
Scientists agree that it is still possible to limit global warming to 1.5°C this century, if nations follow through on their commitments
At the New York Climate Summit this week, five countries—China, Barbados, Nepal, Nigeria, and Singapore—for the first time submitted a clear, collective response to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This move demonstrates that the global resolve to tackle the climate crisis remains strong.
As part of the second round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) requested this year (2025), nearly 100 countries, representing over 66% of global emissions, have submitted or announced updated emission reduction targets. The summit was convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of Brazil.
Key commitments from these countries include:
- Barbados: Reduce GHG emissions by 45% below 2008 levels by 2035.
- Nepal: Reduce net GHG emissions by over 17% compared to its business-as-usual scenario by 2030.
- Nigeria: Unconditional GHG reduction of 20% below business-as-usual, and 47% below BAU with international support by 2030.
- China: Peak CO₂ emissions before 2030, achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, and reduce CO₂ emissions per unit of GDP by over 65% from 2005 levels.
- Singapore: Reduce GHG emissions to 45–50 million tonnes CO₂ equivalent by 2035, as a step toward net-zero by 2050.
While some major emitters like the United States have been criticized for insufficient action, the global community is pushing ahead with ambitious climate plans.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are central to the Paris Agreement, requiring countries to outline plans to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts. Each successive NDC must represent progression and the highest possible ambition, submitted every five years to the UNFCCC Secretariat.
With emissions continuing to rise, climate extremes are intensifying—destroying lives, disrupting livelihoods, and destabilizing economies. Yet, scientists agree that it is still possible to limit global warming to 1.5°C this century, if nations follow through on their commitments.
The writer of this article is Dr. Seema Javed, an environmentalist & a communications professional in the field of climate and energy
