Improving NDCs for a Better Future

The current trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions poses significant risks to our planet's resilience, climate stability, and life support systems.

Opportunities and Strengths:

UAE's target to become carbon neutral by 2050 is a commendable one. Brazil's range of climate targets aims to put the country on the path to climate neutrality by 2050, although some see it as insufficient for its impact.

However, many global leaders must acknowledge that NDCs 3.0 are indeed an opportunity to avoid overshooting 1.5°C, and they will have a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future.

The Challenges:

Many submissions, such as UAE's NDC, lack ambition on reducing fossil fuel infrastructure and do not account for sectoral energy transitions. Brazil's 59-67% reduction target for emissions by 2035 is seen as insufficient for climate neutrality. The reliance on carbon capture technologies and mangrove afforestation as solutions can be questioned.

A Better Approach:

Developed countries should demonstrate transformative leadership in reducing fossil fuels. Set targets: * Achieving net-zero power sector emissions by 2035 * Phasing out coal by 2030 * Ending new oil and gas licensing * Transitioning to fully renewable energy systems

These are ambitious but essential goals: * Energy efficiency needs to be tripled, and renewable energy transition must double * The focus on full decarbonization of the power sector by 2035 requires immediate attention

With a more collective and aggressive approach: * Global emissions from developed countries should reach net-zero or lower, * Transitioning to fully renewable energy sources, avoiding deep-routed systems that continue to perpetuate pollution across sectors.