Climate Report: National Climate Plans Fall Short Of Global Goals

A cross section of stakeholders during the roundtable meeting in Abuja.

A new UN climate change report has highlighted a pressing need for stronger national climate plans, as current efforts “fall miles short” of meeting critical global emission reduction targets.                          

According to the report, these updated national climate commitments, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), must adopt more ambitious goals for 2030 and extend planning horizons to 2035 to drive the significant emission cuts required this decade.

Recognising that many vulnerable and developing countries face severe challenges in scaling up their climate commitments, UN Climate Change, in coordination with other UN agencies, is offering targeted support to help overcome these obstacles. The upcoming climate plans are seen as some of the most significant policy documents of the 21st century, shaping the global response to climate change.

To reinforce support for countries’ NDCs and engage global audiences in their delivery, UN Climate Change has announced a series of events planned for 2025, with details to be revealed at COP29. COP29, which will convene world leaders in Baku, is expected to advance the pledges made at COP28, which focused on transitioning from fossil fuels, tripling renewable energy capacity and setting a global adaptation goal.

COP29 is considered pivotal in the climate fight, with expectations for concrete outcomes on climate finance that account for the unique needs of developing nations. The goal is to set a clear path forward, emphasising renewable energy, adaptation and the transition to low-carbon economies.