Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are a key component of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, focusing on countries’ commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and address climate change. NDCs play a crucial role in tackling climate change by defining the targets and concrete actions countries must undertake to achieve the global goal of limiting warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
NDCs are not merely national commitments; they are also a central element of the global framework for climate mitigation and adaptation. Through NDCs, the Paris Agreement creates a platform for countries to collaborate, exchange ideas, and seek innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
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Through these commitments, countries collectively work toward shared global goals while taking into account their respective national contexts. With increased ambition in each reporting cycle, NDCs are expected to encourage countries to continuously advance their efforts to address climate change and its impacts.
There are five reasons why NDCs are a critical part of global climate action:
1. Driving Global Action
NDCs enable countries to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets based on their national circumstances. In doing so, NDCs create a platform where every country contributes to the global effort to limit warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. This flexibility is essential to ensure that countries at different stages of economic development can participate according to their capacities.
2. Strengthening Transparency and Accountability
NDCs enhance transparency, as the Paris Agreement requires countries to report their progress regularly. With clear reporting mechanisms in place, the international community can evaluate the extent to which countries are fulfilling their commitments. This accountability encourages countries to remain on track in achieving their emission reduction goals.
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3. Encouraging Increased Climate Ambition
Because NDCs are dynamic in nature, countries have the opportunity to review and enhance their commitments every five years. This process allows countries to adjust their targets in response to changes in technology, policy developments, and evolving global conditions. The ability to periodically update NDCs creates opportunities to strengthen global ambition in addressing climate change.
4. Providing a Framework for International Cooperation
NDCs serve as a foundation for international cooperation in tackling climate change. The Paris Agreement promotes information sharing and collaboration among countries, facilitating technology transfer, financial resources, and knowledge exchange. This is particularly important for developing countries that may face limitations in implementing ambitious climate actions.
5. Demonstrating Political Commitment
NDCs reflect countries’ political commitment to climate action. By submitting clear and transparent NDCs, countries signal to the international community that they are serious about addressing climate change. This political commitment is essential for mobilizing the actions and investments needed to reduce emissions and transition toward more sustainable economies.
Currently, the Government of Indonesia is in the process of preparing its Second NDC. This document is expected to align with global efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the 21st century.
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In the Second NDC, new commitments will apply to achieving GHG emission reduction targets for the period 2031–2035, both through domestic efforts (unconditional targets) and with international support (conditional targets). Indonesia will also update its transparency framework, including the National Registry System (SRN) and MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) mechanisms.
Given the increasingly severe impacts of the climate crisis on the lives of Indonesians, the targets and climate mitigation policies within the Second NDC are expected to be more ambitious than before. In terms of process, the preparation of the Second NDC must be more open and participatory, ensuring meaningful involvement of vulnerable groups—including women, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, smallholder farmers, traditional fishers, and persons with disabilities.
