Report

Ensuring NDCS deliver on climate action

Report Summary

Current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are failing to deliver the emissions cuts needed to limit global warming to safe levels. Despite updated pledges, the world remains on track for at least 2.7°C of warming, far exceeding the Paris Agreement target.

This report evaluates the ambition and real-world impact of recent NDCs, assessing them against four guiding principles for High Ambition NDCs: Equitable Delivery, Effective Implementation, Climate Finance, and Practicable Solutions. The findings reveal a troubling gap between climate pledges and real-world action – one that must be urgently closed through stronger policies, immediate emissions reductions, and financial support for a just transition.

The time for vague commitments is over. Countries must dramatically increase their ambition and move from pledges to measurable progress.

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Key Insights

Current trajectory: Existing NDCs will result in at least 2.7°C of warming, far beyond the 1.5°C Paris Agreement goal.

Implementation gap: While many countries have pledged stronger targets, the real-world impact remains weak, with emissions still rising.

Methane urgency: Cutting methane emissions is one of the fastest ways to slow warming, yet few NDCs include strong methane reduction strategies.

Climate finance shortfall: Meeting climate goals requires trillions in new investment, yet wealthy nations continue to fall short of their commitments.

Equity imperative: Climate action must be fair – developed nations need to take the lead through deeper cuts and increased financial and technological support.

Proven solutions vs. speculative technologies: Countries must prioritise immediate, practical emission reductions over reliance on future, unproven technologies.

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