CCAC NDC Watch - Pre-COP Review of the Latest Non-CO₂ Pollutants in National Climate Plans
Last week, the UNFCCC Secretariat published a report summarizing data from 64 new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) released in 2025 up to September 30. The report reveals real and growing progress in climate action worldwide.
Increased Inclusion of Super Pollutants in NDCs
Our analysis shows that countries participating in the Paris Agreement are increasingly incorporating measures targeting super pollutants in their NDCs. This is evident in the number of countries addressing super pollutants within their overall greenhouse gas mitigation goals.
- Methane inclusion rose by 22% compared to pre-2020 NDCs.
- Nitrous oxide inclusion increased by 22%.
- HFCs inclusion soared by 61%.
Although not explicitly recommended in the CCAC Guidance, the inclusion of black carbon doubled, and the mention of non-methane tropospheric ozone precursors tripled, reflecting heightened ambition on these emissions.
Growth in Quantified Targets and Mitigation Assessments
The number of countries adding quantified targets or evaluating the mitigation potential of actions related to super pollutants has risen considerably from almost none in pre-2020 NDCs. Only two NDCs previously included black carbon in this manner.
- As of September 30, 35 countries have set quantified methane targets or assessments.
- 23 countries include similar approaches for HFCs.
- 9 countries do so for black carbon.
"Countries party to the Paris Agreement are increasingly including action on super pollutants as part of the suite of strategies integrated in their NDCs."
"The number of latest NDCs covering methane, nitrous oxide, HFCs has increased by 22%, 22%, and 61% respectively."
Summary: National climate plans of 2025 show significant growth in addressing super pollutants, with many countries setting quantified targets and expanding commitments beyond traditional greenhouse gases.