Here's a summary of issues related to NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) at COP29:

Key Challenges:

1. Insufficient ambition: Many countries, including Brazil and UAE, have announced targets that fall short of what is necessary to keep global warming below 2°C.
2. Lack of commitment to phase out fossil fuels: Countries are not committing to end new coal approvals or phase out coal by 2030 as critical interim steps.
3. Uncertainty about government implementation paths: The wide range of climate targets announced by Brazil is contributing uncertainty, and some countries lack specifics on how they will achieve their targets.

Opportunities for Action:

1. Renewable energy growth: Global leaders must reaffirm their commitment to the energy package agreed at COP28 last year.
2. Sectoral energy transition targets: NDCs should reflect specific sectoral energy transition targets, such as full power sector decarbonisation by 2035.
3. Immediate action on coal: Countries must commit to immediately ending new coal approvals and phasing out coal by 2030.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Adequate ambition: Developed countries should lead the way with collective ambition that can compensate for the growing emissions of developing countries.
2. Climate neutrality: The international community must work together to achieve climate neutrality by mid-century, starting with a commitment to end new oil and gas licensing.
3. Concrete implementation plans: Countries should provide concrete implementation plans, rather than just ambitious targets.

Criticisms:

1. Limited commitments on clean energy: UAE's target of 30% "clean energy" for 2030 is seen as insufficient, and the lack of a specific target for 2035 raises concerns about how they will achieve domestic emissions reductions.
2. Promises vs reality: Promises to transition away from fossil fuels are undermined by continued investment in fossil fuel infrastructure.

Call to Action:

Developed countries have a critical role to play in setting the bar at COP29, and their ambition must be matched with concrete implementation plans. The international community must work together to achieve climate neutrality by mid-century, starting with a commitment to end new oil and gas licensing.