Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) should be viewed as the “most important policy documents of this century”, UN Climate Change chief Simon Stiell has said at COP29.
Addressing an NDC Partnership event at the event in Baku, Stiell said that the latest round of NDCs, which obliges countries around the world to outline their national decarbonisation and resilience plans up to the year 2035, represent the “final barricade” for every nation in the world in a “fight-to-the-death” battle against the impact of climate change.
Stiell emphasised that no nation is currently winning this fight, with climate disasters inflicting significant economic – up to 5% of GDP in some countries – and societal damage worldwide.
“And it’s people and businesses that are paying the heaviest price,” he noted.
Clean energy
Despite the grim outlook, Stiell expressed optimism, citing the burgeoning global clean energy boom, with clean energy investments projected to reach $2 trillion this year. This momentum, Stiell argued, represents a valuable transition to a cleaner, more sustainable economy.
“Money talks, and as we enter the second quarter of this century, it’s saying loud and clear: there’s no stopping the clean energy juggernaut, and the vast benefits it brings: stronger growth, more jobs, less pollution and inflation, cheaper and cleaner energy,” he said. “The list of benefits goes on.”
The UN Climate Chief praised countries like the UK and Brazil, which have announced plans to enhance their commitments as part of their own NDCs, reflecting a recognition that robust climate action aligns with national economic interests.
Equitable access
At the same time, he underscored the need for equitable access to these benefits, calling for support to ensure all nations can adopt ambitious, science-based climate plans.
“But – and it’s a big but – right now these vast benefits are only achievable for some,” he added. “Our job is to make them achievable for all.
“To ensure every country can deliver a bold new national climate plan, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors, aligned with the science of keeping 1.5 degrees within reach.”
Closing his address, Stiell urged all nations to reaffirm and strengthen their climate commitments, adding that nations at COP29 and beyond need to “show the world that transformational NDCs are not optional – they are opportunities no country can miss.” Read more here. [Photo: UN Climate Change]
