Understanding the Crucial Role of NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions)

NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) refers to the plans or commitments made by each country to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. NDCs are the core element of the 2015 Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Each country develops its own NDC based on its capacity, economic situation, and national priorities, ensuring that climate action is both feasible and effective within their unique context. NDCs are crucial because they serve as a framework for countries to set clear, measurable targets in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. By tailoring these commitments to their specific circumstances, countries can contribute to the global effort in limiting temperature rise while addressing their own socio-economic and environmental challenges. These commitments are updated every five years to reflect increased ambition and align with the evolving urgency of the climate crisis.

History of NDC

1. Kyoto Protocol (1997): Before NDCs, emission reductions were regulated through the Kyoto Protocol, which set emission reduction targets only for developed countries. This was deemed unfair as developing countries also faced pressure from climate change^[1]. ‍
2. Paris Agreement (2015): At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, it was agreed that a more flexible approach was needed. Each country was given the freedom to set its own targets through NDCs, making emission reduction responsibilities more inclusive and tailored to each country's circumstances‍^[1],‍
3. Five-Year Cycle^[1]: ‍
   1. 1st NDC (2015-2016): Initial commitments made by countries after adopting the Paris Agreement. ‍
   2. 2nd NDC (2020): Updated targets with greater ambition, adding concrete details on mitigation and adaptation. ‍
   3. 3rd NDC (2025): The next cycle to further enhance ambitions, focusing on net-zero emissions and leveraging the latest technologies.

Purpose of NDC

1. Reducing GHG Emissions: Ensuring all countries have an action plan to lower carbon emissions according to their capacity. ‍
2. Promoting Equity: NDCs allow both developed and developing countries to contribute according to their capabilities and historical responsibilities for the climate crisis. ‍
3. Enhancing Transparency: Countries must regularly report their progress to maintain accountability and transparency in achieving their targets. ‍
4. Supporting Adaptation: In addition to emission mitigation, NDCs include adaptation measures such as improving resilience to climate impacts, through technology, sustainable urban planning, and disaster protection. ‍
5. Mobilizing International Support: Through NDCs, developing countries can showcase their needs for financial, technological, and capacity support from developed nations.

Versions of NDC

1. First NDC (1st NDC):

• Context: Submitted by countries in 2015–2016 after adopting the Paris Agreement. ‍
• Content: Focused on initial plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate adaptation. Many of these NDCs were considered starting points and often lacked ambition due to time and capacity constraints.

2. Second NDC (2nd NDC):

• Context: Required NDC updates in 2020. ‍
• Content:  
  • Increased emission reduction targets.
  • Added concrete measures for mitigation and adaptation.
  • Many countries began incorporating net-zero emissions targets.

3. Third NDC (3rd NDC): ‍

• Context: The next update cycle in 2025.
• Focus:  
  • New targets based on the latest scientific developments.
  • Adjusted strategies to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C.
  • Integration of the latest carbon efficiency technologies.

Examples of NDC Implementation in Various Countries

• Indonesia: In its second NDC, Indonesia updated its target to reduce emissions by 31.89% independently or 43.2% with international support by 2030. The main focus is on forest management, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. ‍
• European Union: Committed to reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. ‍
• United States: Pledged to reduce emissions by 50-52% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

NDCs are a cornerstone of the global fight against climate change. With a five-year update cycle (1st, 2nd, 3rd NDC), the Paris Agreement ensures that countries continue to enhance their ambitions. Through NDCs, the world has a chance to achieve the goal of keeping global temperature rise below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C, for the sustainability of our planet.

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Reference:
1. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), UNFCCC Int