CCAC NDC Watch – Pre-COP Review of the Latest Non-CO₂ Pollutants in National Climate Plans
In the latest synthesis released by the UNFCCC Secretariat, data from 64 new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) submitted up to 30 September 2025 reveals notable advances in global efforts to curb climate change. Countries are increasingly integrating measures addressing high-impact non-CO₂ pollutants within their overall mitigation frameworks.
Expanding Coverage of Super Pollutants
According to the analysis, more nations under the Paris Agreement are incorporating strategies to limit emissions of methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Compared with pre-2020 NDCs, the share of plans covering these pollutants has risen significantly—by 22% each for methane and nitrous oxide, and by 61% for HFCs.
Rising Attention to Other Pollutants
Although not formally required under CCAC guidance, an expanding number of countries now address black carbon and non-methane tropospheric ozone precursors. The inclusion of black carbon has doubled, while references to ozone precursors have tripled, reflecting growing ambition to tackle diverse climate forcers.
Quantified Targets and Assessments
The report also notes a sharp rise in countries setting measurable goals or evaluating the mitigation potential of different measures. Before 2020, virtually none included quantified targets for these pollutants, with only two mentioning black carbon specifically. As of late September 2025, 35 nations now feature quantified methane targets or mitigation assessments, while 23 include similar measures for HFCs and 9 for black carbon.
"Countries party to the Paris Agreement are increasingly including action on super pollutants as part of the suite of strategies integrated in their NDCs."
Summary
More nations are broadening their climate commitments by adding clear targets for methane, HFCs, and black carbon, showing stronger resolve to address powerful non-CO₂ climate drivers.
Author’s Summary
This report underscores how countries are scaling up climate ambition by embedding stronger measures on super pollutants in their national plans, marking a clear shift since pre-2020 commitments.