CCAC NDC Watch - Pre-COP Review of Latest Non-CO₂ Pollutants in National Climate Plans
The UNFCCC Secretariat released a report last week summarizing data from 64 new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) submitted by September 30, 2025. The report shows real and growing progress in addressing climate change.
Increased Inclusion of Super Pollutants in NDCs
Analysis indicates that countries part of the Paris Agreement are integrating actions targeting super pollutants into their climate strategies more often. The following increases are noted in the latest NDCs compared to those before 2020:
- Methane coverage increased by 22%
- Nitrous oxide coverage increased by 22%
- HFCs coverage increased by 61%
Though not formally recommended by CCAC guidance, inclusion of black carbon doubled, and coverage of non-methane tropospheric ozone precursors tripled, showing heightened ambition on these pollutants.
Quantified Targets and Mitigation Assessments
The number of countries including specific quantitative targets or evaluating mitigation potential of measures in their NDCs has also risen sharply from near zero before 2020. Previously, only two NDCs quantified black carbon.
- As of September 30, 35 countries include a quantified methane target or mitigation potential assessment.
- 23 countries do so for HFCs.
- 9 countries do so for black carbon.
"Our analysis finds that countries party to the Paris Agreement are increasingly including action on super pollutants as part of the suite of strategies integrated in their NDCs."
This trend reflects stronger commitments to comprehensive greenhouse gas mitigation strategies in recent NDC submissions.
Author's summary: Recent NDCs demonstrate marked growth in addressing super pollutants through increased coverage and quantified targets, signaling stronger global climate action ambitions.