2 minScientific Concept
Scientific Concept

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

What is Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are non-binding national climate plans highlighting climate actions, including climate-related targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, policies, and measures countries aim to implement in response to climate change and as a contribution to global climate action. They are the core mechanism for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Historical Background

The concept of NDCs emerged from the shift in the global climate narrative from a top-down, legally binding targets approach (like the Kyoto Protocol) to a bottom-up, voluntary pledge-and-review system under the Paris Agreement. This was to ensure broader participation and flexibility, allowing countries to set targets based on their national circumstances and capabilities.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    Country-driven: Each country determines its own contribution based on its national circumstances, priorities, and capabilities.

  • 2.

    Scope: Can include mitigation targets (emission reductions), adaptation actions, and means of implementation (finance, technology transfer, capacity building).

  • 3.

    Ambition: NDCs are expected to represent a progression over time, reflecting the highest possible ambition.

  • 4.

    Regular Review: Countries are required to submit new or updated NDCs every 5 years, with the aim of increasing ambition.

  • 5.

    Transparency: NDCs are publicly available, and countries report on their progress through the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF).

  • 6.

    No Enforcement Mechanism: While NDCs are central to the Paris Agreement, there is no direct enforcement mechanism for achieving the stated targets, relying instead on transparency and peer pressure.

  • 7.

    Common But Differentiated Responsibilities: The principle of CBDR-RC is embedded, allowing developing countries to frame their NDCs differently, often conditional on international support.

  • 8.

    India's NDCs: India's updated NDCs (2022) include reducing emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 level, achieving about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, and promoting a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation.

Visual Insights

The NDC Cycle under the Paris Agreement

This flowchart illustrates the cyclical process of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), from preparation to review and subsequent updates, which is central to the Paris Agreement's bottom-up approach to climate action.

  1. 1.1. National Preparation & Planning (Based on CBDR-RC & national circumstances)
  2. 2.2. Submission of NDC (To UNFCCC Secretariat, every 5 years; next by 2025)
  3. 3.3. National Implementation (Policies, measures, investments)
  4. 4.4. Reporting Progress (Through Enhanced Transparency Framework - ETF)
  5. 5.5. Global Stocktake (Collective assessment of progress, every 5 years; first at COP28 2023)
  6. 6.6. Inform Next NDC Cycle (Call for increased ambition, learning from Stocktake)

Recent Developments

4 developments
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First Global Stocktake at COP28 (2023) assessed the collective impact of NDCs, finding them insufficient to meet the 1.5°C target.

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Countries are preparing for the next round of NDC submissions, expected by 2025, with calls for significantly enhanced ambition.

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Increased focus on integrating adaptation components and nature-based solutions into NDCs.

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Discussions on how to make NDCs more quantifiable and comparable, while respecting national sovereignty.

Source Topic

Paris Agreement at 10: Shifting Climate Narrative and Global Challenges

Environment & Ecology

UPSC Relevance

Very important for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Environment & Ecology, International Relations). Frequently asked in Prelims (India's NDCs, features of NDCs) and Mains (effectiveness, challenges, role in global climate action).

The NDC Cycle under the Paris Agreement

This flowchart illustrates the cyclical process of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), from preparation to review and subsequent updates, which is central to the Paris Agreement's bottom-up approach to climate action.

1. National Preparation & Planning (Based on CBDR-RC & national circumstances)
1

2. Submission of NDC (To UNFCCC Secretariat, every 5 years; next by 2025)

2

3. National Implementation (Policies, measures, investments)

3

4. Reporting Progress (Through Enhanced Transparency Framework - ETF)

4

5. Global Stocktake (Collective assessment of progress, every 5 years; first at COP28 2023)

6. Inform Next NDC Cycle (Call for increased ambition, learning from Stocktake)