Source: DOWNTOEARTH

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Context

Only 15 countries met the February 10, 2025 deadline of 2035 NDC Submissions with the number increasing to 21 by May 2025.

This represents approximately 11% of the total raising concerns about global commitment to climate action ahead of the COP30 summit scheduled for November 2025 in Brazil.

Details

Countries that have submitted include the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Kenya, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

 Significant emitters such as China, India and the European Union have yet to submit their updated NDCs.

 Among the submitted NDCs only the United Kingdom's plan is considered compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5°C according to Climate Action Tracker.

India's Position on 2035 NDCs

India did not meet the February 10, 2025 deadline for submitting its updated NDC for 2035.

Reasons for Delay

Climate Finance Shortfall

At COP29 in Baku developed countries committed to mobilizing only $300 billion annually in climate finance starting from 2035 falling short of the $1 trillion per year demanded by developing nations including India.

This shortfall has been cited as a reason for India's delayed submission. 

Strategic Timing

India plans to host COP33 in 2028 and may be reserving more ambitious climate commitments for announcement closer to that event to showcase leadership. 

Current Commitments

2030 Targets

Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels.

Achieve 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources.

Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion metric tons of CO₂ equivalent through forest and tree cover. 

India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. 

Progress

As of October 2023 India has achieved 43.81% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources surpassing its 2030 target ahead of schedule.

Implications of Delay

The delay in submitting updated NDCs hampers collective efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Delayed targets impede planning for climate adaptation especially for vulnerable nations.

The delay erodes trust between developed and developing nations particularly concerning finance and technology transfer.

The first Global Stocktake's effectiveness is compromised without concrete NDC responses.

Way Forward

For India

Develop and submit updated NDCs that reflect both ambition and realism.

Accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles and green hydrogen.

Strengthen adaptation strategies particularly for vulnerable communities.

Seek both domestic and international funding to support climate initiatives.

For Developed Countries

Fulfill and exceed the $100 billion/year commitment to support developing nations.

Provide financial assistance for loss and damage as agreed at COP27.

Promote the transfer of clean technologies to developing countries.

Sources:

DOWNTOEARTH