CCAC Newsletter – February 2025

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CCAC NDC Watch: Latest on Non-CO₂ Pollutants in National Climate Plans 

In February 2025, eleven countries submitted updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), showcasing a growing commitment to addressing non-CO₂ pollutants.

Notably, Canada has pledged a 35% reduction in methane emissions across all sectors by 2030, with a 75% decrease in the oil and gas sector compared to 2012 levels. New Zealand aims for a 51-55% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2035 from 2005 levels, aligning with its long-term goal to cut 'biogenic' methane emissions by 24-47% from 2017 levels by 2050. Zimbabwe committed to a 40% greenhouse gas reduction and a 35% methane cut in the waste sector, while Lesotho aims for a 29% emissions cut in energy by promoting cleaner cooking fuels. The Marshall Islands is collaborating with the International Maritime Organization to reduce shipping emissions and has launched a low-carbon vessel powered by wind, solar, and fuel-efficient engines.

Ecuador is addressing HFCs and methane through the Kigali Amendment and waste sector improvements, with Saint Lucia, Singapore, and Ecuador incorporating Kigali commitments into their NDCs to reduce HFC emissions. These updated NDCs highlight sector-specific strategies and co-benefits, integrating air quality improvements and public health considerations into national climate policies.

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Upcoming events

News and Updates

United Kingdom Elected as Co-Chair of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, Highlighting Ambitious Agenda to Tackle Super Pollutants

Country partners of the CCAC have elected the United Kingdom as the incoming Co-Chair of the Coalition, joining fellow Co-Chair Brazil to lead the fight against super pollutants that drive climate change and air pollution.   

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FAO welcomes UN Biodiversity COP16.2, highlighting agrifood systems as key to achieving global biodiversity goals

As COP16.2 convenes in Rome, the FAO calls for bold action to align agrifood systems with global biodiversity goals. Minister Carvajalino stressed the urgency of aligning agriculture and environmental strategies, with Colombia and FAO working on sustainable food systems to end hunger. 

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How R-290 Cooling is Transforming the Automotive Sector and Fighting Super Pollutants

R-290 is revolutionizing electric vehicle cooling with its low global warming potential and superior efficiency in heating and cooling cycles. This natural refrigerant enhances passenger comfort, extends battery life, and increases driving range, making EVs more attractive to consumers. Projects supported by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), such as the Green Automobile Air Conditioner Technology Demonstration Program, are leading the charge in creating sustainable solutions with lasting impact.

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CCAC Webinar: Emissions from Cooling Systems in Data Centres

50% of data centre energy use is for cooling systems, most of which rely on climate-warming HFC refrigerants. As demand for AI, cryptocurrencies, and data sovereignty grows, energy use could double by 2026.

The CCAC Cooling Hub organized this webinar which aimed to enhance our understanding of the issue and the opportunities for countries to take early action to reduce current and future emissions from refrigerants and energy use. 

Why We Can’t Ignore Nitrous Oxide - The Climate Threat You’ve Never Heard Of

When we think about climate change, carbon dioxide and methane are often the first culprits that come to mind, responsible for a large share of global warming. But lurking in the background is a super pollutant that many of us have never heard of: nitrous oxide. It’s a gas 270 times more potent than carbon dioxide when it comes to trapping heat, and it’s quietly sabotaging our chances of keeping global warming under 1.5°C, the goal set by the Paris Agreement. 

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Publications and Resources

Scientific Papers Published by CCAC Scientific Advisory Panel Members

Karlsson, Per Erik et al. (2024) Ozone causes substantial reductions in the carbon sequestration of managed European forests, EGUsphere [preprint]. (Co-authored by SAP, Lisa Emberson)  

Everett, G. et al. (2024) Ozone pollution may limit the benefits of irrigation to wheat productivity in India, EGUsphere [preprint]. (Co-authored by SAP, Lisa Emberson)  

Cook, J. et al. (2024) New ozone–nitrogen model shows early senescence onset is the primary cause of ozone-induced reduction in grain quality of wheat, Biogeosciences, 21, 4809–4835. (Co-authored by SAP, Lisa Emberson)  

Eric Z. et al. (2025) The truth about co-benefits: a multi-dimensional feasibility assessment for thailand and beyond, Environ. Res. Commun. 7 025009. (Co-authored by SAP, Eric Zusman, Tatsuya Hanaoka, Johan Kuylenstierna) 

CCAC TEAP Report: Role of Digital (Extension) Services for Livestock on Tackling Methane Emissions

This CCAC TEAP report on Role of Digital (Extension) Services for Livestock on Tackling Methane Emissions outlines the pivotal role of DSL in mitigating methane emissions, while highlighting strategies that policy makers and the investment sector can pursue to foster implementation of DSL and accelerate climate action. 

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