CCAC NDC Watch - Pre-COP Review of the Latest Non-CO₂ Pollutants in National Climate Plans
Last week, the UNFCCC Secretariat published a report summarizing data from 64 new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) submitted in 2025 up to September 30. The report reflects tangible and growing progress in tackling climate change.
Increased Inclusion of Super Pollutants in NDCs
Our analysis reveals that countries under the Paris Agreement are increasingly incorporating measures against super pollutants within their climate strategies. This is evident in the rising number of NDCs addressing these pollutants as part of overall greenhouse gas reduction targets.
- Methane and nitrous oxide are each covered by 22% more NDCs compared to those submitted before 2020.
- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) coverage increased by 61%.
Although not officially recommended by CCAC Guidance, inclusion of black carbon in NDCs has doubled, and the coverage of non-methane tropospheric ozone precursors has tripled, signaling stronger commitments on these pollutants.
Quantified Targets and Mitigation Assessments Gain Traction
The number of countries setting explicit targets or evaluating mitigation potential for super pollutants within their NDCs has grown markedly from almost none prior to 2020. Previously, only two NDCs mentioned black carbon this way.
- As of September 30, 35 countries include quantified methane targets or mitigation assessments.
- 23 countries include HFCs in this manner.
- 9 countries include black carbon targets or assessments.
"This demonstrates a clear shift toward ambitious and measurable action on key non-CO₂ climate pollutants."
Summary: The latest NDCs show significant expansion in commitments to reduce super pollutants, reflecting growing ambition and detailed mitigation planning across nations.