The World Resources Institute launched its latest 2022 report on the State of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and it highlights an alarming fact—there remains a massive gap between the current NDCs and what is actually required to meet the ideal 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement.

Specifically, the latest NDCs now seek to reduce 5.5 GtCO2e of emissions more than the initial NDCs, equivalent to eliminating the United States of America’s yearly emissions. While this is a significant 7% reduction from 2019 figures, a 43% emissions reduction from all countries is needed for the world to have a chance at the 1.5°C goal.

All 193 Parties to the Paris Agreement have communicated at least a first NDC, including the 27-member European Union. From this pool of 167 initial NDCs, there have been 139 updated first and second NDCs. 74 of these latest NDCs are committed to lower 2030 emissions than previous iterations. Of the 167 updated NDCs, 144 were based on GHG targets, 14 on non-GHG targets, and 9 on actions only.

In terms of adaptation, 144 current NDCs contain an adaptation component, 139 of which are from developing countries.

While the latest NDCs are more ambitious than their predecessors, they contain notable gaps in key sectors such as forests, energy, and mobility. These commitments must also be supported and thoroughly implemented by ensuring alignment with national adaptation plans and ensuring developing countries have access to the climate finance needed to realize their NDCs.

Access the report HERE.