Super Pollutant Guidance for NDC 3.0: A Game Changer for Climate Action

At the same time, super pollutants present the only plausible way to curb warming in the near-term because of the brief time that many of them stay in the atmosphere. Addressing them is crucial if we are to avoid surpassing the 1.5°C temperature limit set by the Paris Agreement.

What are Super Pollutants and Why Do They Matter?

While much of the world’s attention has rightly been focused on carbon dioxide (CO₂) given its long atmospheric lifetime and accumulation in the atmosphere, the non-CO₂ pollutants, or super pollutants, are responsible for ‘the other half of warming’ and have an even greater impact on near-term warming. Many of these pollutants are short-lived in the atmosphere and are far more potent in their warming effects, making them essential targets for fast and effective climate action.

Together, super pollutants contribute to a range of destructive impacts, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and compromised food and water security. Many also contribute to poor air quality, leading to severe health issues, particularly in vulnerable communities.  

Why Focus on NDC 3.0?

The Paris Agreement established the framework for global climate action, with countries pledging to develop and implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)  containing their climate goals, and strengthened every five years t. As we move toward the next iteration—NDC 3.0, charting the path to 2030 — we cannot miss the window to enhance the role of super pollutants in national and global climate strategies. The inclusion of goals and measures to address super pollutants in NDC 3.0 is critical to reducing near-term warming and is our best chance at bending the curve on change.  

Countries have called for support on how to incorporate these potent pollutants into their updated NDCs, and the CCAC has responded.  

The CCAC’s new guidance Including Super Pollutants in Nationally Determined Contributions, provides a pathway for countries to address non-CO₂ emissions and air pollution, not only for the sake of climate mitigation, but also on the broad co-benefits that come with tackling air quality and sustainable development issues. In addition, the CCAC offers a comprehensive support system that includes technical assistance, capacity building, and funding for projects to ensure countries can achieve the goals they set in their NDCs.  

How Can We Seize the Moment?

The timing for this guidance could not be more crucial. Countries are expected to submit updated NDCs by February 2025, and the upcoming COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, represents a pivotal moment to ramp up levels of ambition. Strengthened NDCs that incorporate super pollutant goals and actions can unlock national and global resources, mobilize private sector investments, and facilitate international cooperation and climate finance to secure the benefits offered by reducing non-CO₂ pollutants.

This moment is not just about keeping global temperatures in check—it’s about harnessing every available tool to make real, lasting progress. Reducing super pollutants offers an immediate way to slow down climate change while enhancing public health, food security, and economic development at the same time.

What’s Included in the Guidance?

The CCAC’s Guidance recommends four essential building blocks for countries to include in their NDCs:

Economy-Wide Targets 
Countries should consider economy-wide targets that encompass both CO₂ and super pollutant emissions. This ensures that mitigation goals are not only focused on long-term CO₂ reductions but also on immediate action to reduce near-term warming. Alternatively, inclusion of concrete measures to reduce SLCPs. Tracking progress over time will be crucial for accountability and continuous improvement.

Integrated Air Quality and Climate Strategies 
Climate action and air quality improvements are deeply interconnected. The Guidance encourages countries to leverage air quality planning in their NDCs to enhance climate ambition and maximize the co-benefits of climate action, particularly in terms of health, food security, and energy security.

Global, Regional, and National Alignment 
The success of NDC 3.0 depends on aligning them with other international, regional, and national strategies. By ensuring consistency and complementarity with existing agreements and initiatives, countries can optimize resources and institutional support for implementing their climate and air quality goals.

Comprehensive Reporting of Super Pollutants 
Transparency and accountability are key to building trust and mobilizing resources. The Guidance emphasizes the importance of robust reporting on super pollutant emissions to strengthen implementation, attract finance, and enhance international collaboration.

Looking Forward

This guidance is more than just a technical document—it’s a call to action as much as it offers countries a pathway to reduce near-term warming, protect human health, and safeguard livelihoods in the face of climate change. By addressing super pollutants in their NDCs, countries can lead the way in preventing climate disaster and unlocking a future that is healthier, more secure, and economically prosperous. The CCAC has been sharing this guidance directly with countries as part of a series of regional workshops focused on including super pollutant action in NDCs

The time to act is now. With COP29 on the horizon, we have a critical window of opportunity to raise ambition, mobilize resources, and deliver the urgent action that is needed to prevent the acceleration of the climate crisis. Time is of the essence. Let’s get to work!  

Quick links: additional CCAC support  

Including non-CO₂ pollutants in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0)

Webinar: How to Enhance NDC 3.0 by Including Non-CO₂ and Air Quality  

CCAC Assessments