One-Third of Countries Set 2035 Climate Pledges, EU and Major Emitters Lag
The global response to climate change is gathering pace, with around one-third of countries now having announced or submitted their 2035 climate pledges, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). However, many nations are set to miss the end of September deadline, with the EU and major emitters yet to finalise their plans.
As of now, countries representing half of global emissions have either announced or submitted their 2035 climate pledges. This includes China, which has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 7-10 per cent below peak levels by 2035. At the recent UN climate summit, 12 countries unveiled new 2035 pledges, with Russia and Turkey among those making fresh commitments.
The EU, however, has not yet agreed on its 2035 climate pledge, aiming to submit it before COP30 in November. Many nations plan to submit their pledges by this November event, potentially delaying the process. This includes countries that missed the initial 10 February deadline, with around 95 per cent failing to meet this initial target. Major emitters like India, Indonesia, and Mexico are among those yet to submit their 2035 climate pledges.
With the clock ticking towards the end of September deadline, the UN climate chief Simon Stiell has urged nations to submit their 2035 climate pledges promptly. The US, which submitted its pledge in 2024, faces uncertainty due to President Trump's order to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. As the global community works towards a collective response to climate change, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the world's 2035 climate commitments.
