CCAC NDC Watch – Pre-COP Review of the Latest Non-CO₂ Pollutants in National Climate Plans
Last week, the UNFCCC Secretariat released a synthesis report covering 64 newly submitted nationally determined contributions (NDCs) as of September 30, 2025. The findings indicate measurable progress in global climate action.
Growing Attention to Super Pollutants
Analysis shows that nations participating in the Paris Agreement are increasingly integrating strategies to reduce super pollutants within their overall mitigation plans.
- The number of NDCs addressing methane and nitrous oxide grew by 22% each compared to pre-2020 plans.
- Coverage of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) rose by 61%.
- Inclusion of black carbon doubled, and measures for non-methane tropospheric ozone precursors tripled.
This trend highlights the rising ambition in tackling both traditional greenhouse gases and short-lived climate pollutants.
Quantified Targets and Mitigation Assessments
Before 2020, almost no NDCs included quantitative goals or detailed mitigation potential assessments for super pollutants. Now, more countries incorporate these elements.
- 35 nations include quantified methane targets or mitigation assessments.
- 23 address HFCs in the same way.
- 9 include black carbon reduction measures.
These developments demonstrate a significant expansion of targeted climate strategies beyond carbon dioxide, reflecting stronger commitments to comprehensive greenhouse gas management.
Author’s Summary
The 2025 NDC updates show a global shift toward ambitious, data-driven inclusion of methane, HFCs, and black carbon in climate commitments, marking real progress in tackling super pollutants.