CCAC NDC Watch - Pre-COP Review of Recent Non-CO₂ Pollutants in National Climate Plans
Last week, the UNFCCC Secretariat published a report analyzing 64 new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) submitted in 2025 up to September 30. The report shows meaningful progress in global climate action efforts.
Our analysis reveals that countries under the Paris Agreement are increasingly addressing so-called super pollutants in their climate strategies. This is evident from the growing number of NDCs that incorporate super pollutants within their overall greenhouse gas mitigation targets.
Increased Inclusion of Super Pollutants
- Methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) coverage in the latest NDCs rose by 22%, 22%, and 61% respectively, compared to pre-2020 NDCs.
- Although not explicitly recommended by CCAC guidance, inclusion of black carbon doubled in the new NDCs.
- Non-methane tropospheric ozone precursors inclusion tripled, reflecting stronger commitments on these pollutants.
Growth in Quantified Targets and Mitigation Assessments
The number of countries setting specific quantified targets or evaluating the mitigation potential of measures related to super pollutants has markedly increased from nearly zero in pre-2020 NDCs.
- Previously, only two NDCs featured black carbon in this manner.
- As of September 30, 35 countries now include quantified methane targets or mitigation assessments.
- Twenty-three countries include HFCs, and nine include black carbon within quantified mitigation strategies.
"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."
These trends suggest a rising ambition among nations to tackle potent climate-warming pollutants beyond just carbon dioxide.
Author's summary: The latest NDCs show notable progress with growing recognition and quantified commitments addressing super pollutants, enhancing the overall climate mitigation efforts globally.