Key Takeaways

• 32 countries have submitted updated or new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), representing only 21% of global emissions.
• Major emitters like China, the EU, India, and Indonesia have yet to submit their NDCs ahead of the September 2025 deadline.
• Most countries target renewable energy and energy efficiency but lack robust commitments to phase out fossil fuels or reform subsidies.

Global Climate Action Tracker Released

In preparation for the 2025 submission deadline for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), a recent tracker was introduced to assess countries’ commitments to climate goals following the first Global Stocktake (GST-1). These climate plans are pivotal in evaluating government responses to global emissions targets, with a focus on increasing renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing coal use, and moving away from fossil fuels.

Since November 2024, just 32 nations have submitted their updated NDCs, accounting for only 21 percent of global emissions. Notably, significant emission contributors, including China, the EU, India, and Indonesia, have not yet finalized their submissions. The tracker anticipates updates in the upcoming weeks, with key countries expected to announce their NDCs around the UN General Assembly and the NDC Summit on September 24.

Key findings from the tracker indicate that 72 percent of the countries that submitted NDCs include quantified targets for renewable energy deployment. Although 91 percent of these countries emphasize energy efficiency, fewer than half provide specific, measurable targets. Regarding coal dependency, a substantial 78 percent of submitting nations report minimal or no coal use, although over half of the remaining coal-dependent countries express intentions to phase down unabated coal power.

Countries such as Cambodia, Canada, Singapore, and the UK, have committed to ceasing the approval of new coal projects. However, no country has established a quantified plan to gradually reduce oil and gas production, despite 17 of the submitted NDC countries being oil or fossil gas producers. Only Canada and the UK acknowledged potential reductions in oil and gas output.

Furthermore, a concerning 72 percent of submitting nations have not mentioned reforming fossil fuel subsidies, despite its importance in climate discussions. Of the submitted NDCs, over half, particularly from emerging markets and developing economies, are conditional on external financial and technical support.

Katrine Petersen, Senior Policy Advisor at E3G, commented that the initial climate plans show countries’ continued interest in the benefits of clean energy, unperturbed by geopolitical issues. However, she emphasized the need for all nations to enhance their commitment and action plans. As the September deadline approaches, leaders are urged to set ambitious targets focused on transitioning away from fossil fuels, leveraging the current momentum towards sustainable energy for broader economic and security benefits.

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