The gap between current climate plans and Earth's limits is widening dangerously. While countries prepare to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by February 2025, current commitments put the world on track for catastrophic warming of 2.9°C. A fundamental reset of climate action is urgently needed - one that prioritises immediate emissions reductions through proven solutions rather than speculative technologies. The report outlines four interconnected pillars essential for High Ambition NDCs: Equitable Delivery, Effective Implementation, Climate Finance, and Practicable Solutions. These pillars provide a framework for transformative action that can still secure a safer future, but only if countries dramatically increase their ambition and accelerate implementation.
Current trajectory: Existing climate plans fall far short of what's needed, with policies heading toward over 3°C of warming - a scenario devastating for human society and ecosystems.
Proven solutions focus: High Ambition NDCs must prioritise immediate, proven emission reduction strategies rather than relying on uncertain future technologies.
Financial transformation: Success requires redirecting trillions in private investment while ensuring wealthy nations fulfill and exceed their climate finance commitments to developing countries.
Methane urgency: Swift methane reductions offer one of our most powerful immediate tools for limiting warming, yet methane action is rarely featured in current NDCs.
Implementation gap: While recent years have seen increased pledges, the gap between commitments and real-world action remains dangerously wide.
Equity imperative: Climate action must benefit all communities, with developed nations leading through deeper cuts and increased support to help others leapfrog to clean technologies.
