Nationally Determined Contributions

The INDCs combine the top-down system of a United Nations climate agreement with bottom-up system-in elements through which countries put forward their agreements in the context of their own national circumstances, capabilities, and priorities, with the goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions enough to keep global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius.[3]

The INDCs contain steps taken towards emissions reductions and also aim to address steps taken to adapt to climate change impacts, and what support the country needs, or will provide, to address climate change. After the initial submission of INDCs in March 2015, an assessment phase followed to review the impact of the submitted INDCs before the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference.[3]

Research released by NewClimate Institute for UNFCCC and UNDP concluded that as of March 2015, one-third of the 81 surveyed countries had not yet begun their INDC. Approximately another third had started the national discussion, but had not proceeded to the technical design phase. Submission ambitions vary geographically; for instance, African countries often reported the latest intended submission dates.[6]

On 27 February 2015, Switzerland became the first nation to submit its INDC.[7] Switzerland said that it had experienced a temperature rise of 1.75 °C since 1864, and aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030.[8]

India submitted its INDC to the UNFCCC in October 2015, committing to cut the emissions intensity of GDP by 33–35% by 2030 from 2005 levels.[9] On its submission, India wrote that it needs "at least USD 2.5 trillion" to achieve its 2015-2030 goals, and that its "international climate finance needs" will be the difference over "what can be made available from domestic sources."[10]

The INDCs of the largest greenhouse gas emitters included China, which targeted a 60-65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 2030, the United States, which targeted a 26-28% reduction by 2025, and the European Union which targeted a 55% reduction compared to 1990 by 2030.[11] Scientists and environmentalist say the 55% target of the EU is not sufficient. And the European Parliament has called for a 60% cut.[11] India submitted a target of 33-35% per unit of GDP, conditional on finance being made available by developed countries.[2]

In December 2020, the UK set a target of 68% reduction in annual carbon emissions, compared with 1990 levels.[12]

Prior to the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference a synthesis report was prepared that assessed the impact of all the published INDCs on expected global warming. This incorporated the impact of INDCs submitted for 147 countries, who comprised 80% of total global emissions in 2010. It concluded that if the INDCs were met this would slow the increase in emissions from the 24% increase between 1990 and 2010 to an increase between 2010 and 2030 of between 11% and 23%. However, emissions up to 2030 would amount to 75% of the total emissions that were consistent with limiting global warming to the target of 2°. Therefore, much greater reduction would be required after 2030 in order to reach this target.[13]

Of surveyed countries, 85% reported that they are challenged by the short time frame available to develop INDCs. Other challenges reported include difficulty to secure high-level political support, a lack of certainty and guidance on what should be included in INDCs, and limited expertise for the assessment of technical options. However, despite challenges, less than a quarter of countries said they had received international support to prepare their INDCs, and more than a quarter indicated they are still applying for international support.[6] The INDC process and the challenges it presents are unique to each country and there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach or methodology.[14]

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network prepared a guide for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), setting out an INDC approach that could provide economic and development opportunities. It included:

• showing that economic growth is compatible with low-carbon and climate-resilient pathways, which will avoid lock-in to high carbon-intensive infrastructure
• highlighting the adaptation-related benefits of mitigation actions, as well as other co-benefits including poverty alleviation, health, energy access and security
• capturing the potential for mitigation within planned and potential adaptation activities
• encouraging other countries to take equivalent action, increasing global ambition and reducing climate impacts
• attracting financial, capacity-building, technology transfer and other types of international support.[15]

A report from CDKN with the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) made the following recommendations to integrate international climate change commitments into national development planning:

• NDCs should be consistent with national development policies
• NDCs should follow SMART design principles
• NDCs should have broad national support
• NDCs should have clear political backing
• NDC development should have clear institutional leadership
• National coordination for climate change and development actions should exist
• NDC institutions should respond to local development needs
• NDC spending should be part of national budget planning
• NDC spending should be monitored and reported
• NDC spending should be subject to national oversight and scrutiny[16]

In November 2019, the Fundación Ecológica Universal (FEU), a global environmental NGO based in Buenos Aires, published an assessment of national climate pledges. Of the 184 INDCs filed, FEU judged 20% to be "sufficient"; 6% "partially sufficient"; 4% "partially insufficient"; and 70% "insufficient".[17]

• Issue tracking systems use in government

• Registry with admitted NDC's by country