Nationally Determined Contributions

DEFINITION
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A Nationally Determined Contribution (or NDC) is a climate action plan outlining how a country intends to achieve the goals of the Paris climate agreement. An NDC includes targets for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change; a plan for how to reach these targets; systems to measure progress; and a plan for financing this.

Parties to the Paris Agreement develop their NDC and submit it to the UNFCCC (the UN’s body for addressing climate change) every 5 years. It is required that each NDC should be more ambitious than the last to ensure countries are making tangible progress toward the Paris agreement goals.

NDCs are crucial to keeping global surface temperature well below 2° C above pre-industrial levels, and preferably 1.5° C, ensuring a livable planet for future generations.

RESEARCH
Interviews by Pamela EA
Research and Text by Megan Snaith
Video Editing by Molly Nemer
Editing by Youth4Capacity

August 1, 2024

Ready to dig deeper? Here are some key terms and resources for further learning related to "NDCs."

Long Term Goal of the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement's ultimate goal is to limit global warming to well below 2°C, and ideally to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. This is to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and food shortages

Emission Reduction Targets
Emission reduction targets are commitments made by countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Think of it as setting a goal to reduce your carbon footprint. For example, the European Union aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Source: European Union. “2030 Climate Targets.” European Commission, August 7,2024

Adaptation Goals
These are strategies designed to help communities, regions, or countries prepare and adjust to the changing climate. These plans identify potential climate risks, like rising sea levels, extreme weather events, or droughts, and develop actions to reduce their harm.

Tracking an NDC’s Progress
This involves measuring emissions, assessing climate impacts, and evaluating climate actions. This data is shared globally to ensure transparency and accountability.

Updated NDCs
By 2025, countries should submit new and more ambitious NDCs. These plans must be bolder than past efforts since they will guide actions for the next ten years. A crucial period to increase ambition and speed up actions to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Nationally Determined Contributions

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