CCAC NDC Watch - Pre-COP Review of Non-CO₂ Pollutants in National Climate Plans
Last week, the UNFCCC Secretariat published a report summarizing data from 64 new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) submitted by September 30, 2025. The report highlights tangible and growing progress in climate action.
Our analysis shows that parties to the Paris Agreement are increasingly incorporating measures targeting super pollutants into their NDCs. This is evident in the rising number of countries including super pollutants within their overall greenhouse gas mitigation goals.
- The share of latest NDCs covering methane and nitrous oxide increased by 22% each compared to pre-2020 NDCs.
- Inclusion of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) rose by 61%.
- Although not officially recommended (see CCAC Guidance), black carbon inclusion doubled.
- Non-methane tropospheric ozone precursor coverage tripled, showing stronger ambition for these pollutants.
The number of countries adding quantified targets or evaluating the mitigation potential of measures in their NDCs has also grown markedly. Pre-2020, almost no countries included black carbon in this manner, with only two exceptions.
"As of 30 September, 35 countries include a quantified methane target or assessment of mitigation potential in their latest NDC, while 23 and 9 include HFCs and black carbon in this way respectively."
This evolving trend reflects a broader commitment to tackling a wider range of climate pollutants beyond CO₂.
Author’s summary: The 2025 NDCs show significant advances in addressing super pollutants, with increased inclusion and quantification of methane, HFCs, black carbon, and ozone precursors, signaling heightened global climate ambition.