CCAC NDC Watch - Pre-COP Review of Non-CO₂ Pollutants in National Climate Plans
Last week, the UNFCCC Secretariat released a report summarizing information from 64 new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) submitted by 30th September 2025. The report highlights significant progress in tackling climate change.
Our analysis shows that countries participating in the Paris Agreement are increasingly addressing super pollutants within their climate strategies. This trend is evident in the growing number of countries incorporating these pollutants into their greenhouse gas mitigation targets.
Increased Coverage of Super Pollutants
- Methane inclusion in NDCs rose by 22% compared to pre-2020 submissions.
- Nitrous oxide coverage also increased by 22%.
- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) saw the largest rise at 61% inclusion.
Although not formally recommended by the CCAC Guidance, the inclusion of black carbon doubled, and the coverage of non-methane tropospheric ozone precursors tripled, reflecting higher ambition levels for these pollutants.
Growth in Quantified Targets and Mitigation Assessments
The number of countries setting specific quantified targets or evaluating mitigation potential for super pollutants within their NDCs has risen substantially from near zero before 2020. Previously, only two NDCs included black carbon with such targets.
- As of 30 September 2025, 35 countries set quantified targets or conducted mitigation assessments for methane.
- 23 countries included HFCs in this manner.
- 9 countries included black carbon with quantified goals or assessments.
"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 growing focus on super pollutants demonstrates a meaningful shift in climate action planning, which could significantly impact overall greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
Author's summary: National climate plans are increasingly targeting super pollutants, showing stronger ambition and detailed mitigation strategies to enhance global emissions reduction.