Almost all countries failed to meet a UN deadline for submitting new targets to reduce carbon emissions, including key economies that are under pressure to demonstrate leadership in light of the US’s withdrawal from climate commitments.
According to a UN database monitoring submissions, only ten out of nearly 200 nations obligated under the Paris Agreement delivered updated climate plans by the February 10 deadline.
As part of the climate accord, each nation is expected to provide a more ambitious headline goal for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, along with a comprehensive strategy for achieving this target.
While global emissions are on the rise, they must be cut by nearly half by the decade’s end to adhere to the temperature limitations established by the Paris Agreement.
Unfortunately, only a small number of significant polluters submitted enhanced targets on time, with China, India, and the European Union being the most notable absentees.
Most G20 nations were conspicuously absent, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Brazil—the host for this year’s UN climate summit—being the only exceptions.
The US commitment is largely symbolic, made prior to President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
There are no penalties for late submissions of targets, formally known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
These contributions are not legally binding but serve as an accountability mechanism to ensure nations are addressing climate change responsibly and contributing their fair share to meet the Paris objectives.
The slow response raises concerns about a potential regression in climate action as leaders grapple with Trump’s return and other pressing issues, including budget constraints and security crises.
Ebony Holland from the International Institute for Environment and Development commented that the US withdrawal was “evidently a setback,” but various factors contributed to the disappointing participation.
“There are significant geopolitical shifts occurring that pose challenges for international cooperation, particularly on critical matters like climate change,” stated Ms. Holland, who is a policy lead at the London-based think tank.
The EU, traditionally a frontrunner in climate policy, has faced delays due to elections and internal processes and is preparing for further elections in Germany and Poland.
An EU spokesperson indicated that a collective target for the 27-member bloc would be announced “well ahead” of the UN COP30 climate conference scheduled for November.
“We remain committed to being a leading advocate for international climate action,” she affirmed.
Analysts expect China—the world’s largest carbon emitter and biggest investor in renewable energy—to release its awaited NDC in the latter half of 2025.
The United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Saint Lucia, New Zealand, Andorra, Switzerland, and Uruguay were among the countries that met the submission deadline today.
Evans Njewa, a Malawian diplomat and chair of the Least Developed Countries group, stated that many poorer nations lack the financial resources and technical expertise necessary to develop such complex, comprehensive policies.
“Major emitters, whose historical and ongoing emissions have exacerbated the climate crisis, must take accountability and lead by example,” he expressed to AFP.
Countries have consistently been late in submitting periodic updates to their NDCs since the Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015.
Last week, Mr. Stiell urged nations to submit “high-quality” proposals by September to allow proper evaluation before the UN climate summit in Belem.
“The escalating climate crisis will not be halted or refrain from wreaking havoc while nations procrastinate on their action plans,” warned Tracy Carty from Greenpeace International.
Linda Kalcher, executive director of the Strategic Perspectives think tank, noted that in some instances, it may be more advantageous for countries to focus on refining high-quality proposals rather than hastily presenting inferior options.
“The concern is that if too many nations postpone their submissions, it may create the impression that they are unwilling to take action,” she added.
