NDC update report ambition: taking a long-term perspective

The NDC Update Report tracks the progress on the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement. The theme of this edition is “Ambition”: look ahead and explore whether governments are ready for the next round of pledges and where support and preparation could focus. This report argues that so far, too much of the focus of governments and international organisations has been on achieving the first NDC and not enough on investigating and planning for deep emissions reductions compatible with the Paris Agreement’s long-term goals. The Paris Agreement requires much more substantial action than is needed for reaching the targets of the first NDC: all countries will have to move to net zero emissions in the coming decades. This has major consequences for sector planning and national development planning, and calls for continuous dialogue with stakeholders; both within and across sectors.