UN urges nations to submit overdue climate plans ahead of COP30

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🗞️ Driving the news: The United Nations has called on countries to urgently submit their overdue Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), six months after the official February deadline
• These updated climate action plans — central to the Paris Agreement — outline national strategies to reduce emissions by 2035 and are critical ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil this November
• UN climate chief Simon Stiell emphasized that plans submitted by the end of September will be included in the upcoming UN review report

🔭 The context: NDCs are mandatory under the Paris Agreement, designed to enhance global climate ambition every five years
• Despite this, many countries, including major emitters like the EU, have not submitted updates
• The EU’s delay stems from internal disagreements over its 2040 climate target, with France and Poland pushing for broader political input
• This has stalled progress and may impact the EU’s ability to present a unified position at COP30

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The timely submission of ambitious NDCs is vital for aligning global efforts with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target
• Delays risk undermining trust, limiting investment in clean technologies, and weakening climate diplomacy
• Robust national plans could unlock economic benefits through the clean energy transition, while late or weak commitments may exacerbate climate risks and adaptation costs.

⏭️ What's next: Countries have until the end of September to submit updated NDCs for inclusion in the UN’s pre-COP30 report
• The UN General Assembly on 24 September offers a high-level platform for leaders to present their new commitments
• The EU must resolve internal disputes promptly to maintain credibility and leadership in climate negotiations
• Final NDC submissions will directly shape the tone and outcomes of COP30 negotiations in November

💬 One quote: "These national climate plans are much more than words on paper; they are... the cornerstone of humanity's fight against the global climate crisis." – Simon Stiell, UN Climate Chief

📈 One stat: Over six months after the February deadline, a majority of countries, including the EU, have still not submitted their 2035 climate plans, undermining global progress

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