How to Include Non-CO₂ and Air Quality to Enhance Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

The global climate crisis is accelerating, bringing the planet closer to key climate tipping points that threaten human lives, ecosystems, and economic stability. Super pollutants, which include methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons, nitrous oxide, and tropospheric ozone, are responsible for nearly half of global warming and pose a significant threat to achieving the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

In light of the urgency, it is critical that the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) due in February 2025 not only address CO₂ emissions but also include non-CO₂ pollutants and air quality (AQ) measures. Incorporating these elements into NDC 3.0 can yield significant benefits for the climate, public health, food security, and economic development.

The launch of the CCAC guidance event aims to raise awareness about the critical role that super pollutants play in global warming and the urgent need to include them in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). It will provide guidance on effectively incorporating non-CO₂ pollutants and air quality measures into national climate strategies. The event will also highlight the available support from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and other stakeholders to assist countries in enhancing their NDCs.