UN Climate Chief urges Nations To Submit Their NDCs
So far, only a sixth of countries have sent in their updated nationally determined contributions
The UN climate chief-Simon Stiell has urged all countries in the world to submit their new national plans to cut planet-heating emissions(NDC’s) and boost climate resilience as soon as possible. In a letter to all governments he wrote that Submissions by the end of September will be included in the 2025 NDC Synthesis Report. This report, published prior to COP 30 in Belem, will provide an important update of progress thus far. An annual assessment of all NDCs – truly reflects cumulative efforts to slash emissions and authoritatively guides discussions at COP30 in Belém.
Simon Stiell said in his letter that “strong” NDCs are the “best defence” against the climate crisis In 2023, as part of the outcome of the first global stocktake, Parties committed to accelerate action in this critical decade and agreed to come forward in their next NDCs with ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets, covering all greenhouse gases, sectors and categories and aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as informed by the latest science, in the light of different national circumstances. These national climate plans are much more than words on paper; they are among this century’s most powerful engines of economic growth and rising living standards, and the cornerstone of humanity’s fight against the global climate crisis.
He further emphasised that -Every nation continues to experience worsening climate-driven disasters, causing immense human suffering and devastating economic losses across every region, cutting GDP by 5 per cent in some places. This is creating a knock-on effect on living standards and is raising costs for ordinary people and businesses. Countries submitting strong new NDCs are on their way to securing the biggest share of the clean energy boom – which hit USD 2 trillion in 2024 – and the millions of jobs and stronger economic growth it is creating, along with much lower health costs, and more secure and affordable clean energy.
So far, only a sixth of countries have sent in their updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) with the all-important 2035 emission reduction target and an indicative blueprint for how to meet it. These countries include the UK, Switzerland, New Zealand, Japan, Cuba, Canada, Barbados, Solomon Island, Cambodia, Niue, Monaco, Norway, Somalia, Belize, Nepal, Republic of Moldova, Kenya, Zambia, Maldives,Montenegro, Marshall Islands, Singapore etc. Countries including China, India and the European Union are still missing.
The writer of this article is Dr. Seema Javed, an environmentalist & a communications professional in the field of climate and energy
