Only 15 countries met Paris Agreement emissions deadline

The deadline for countries to submit their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has passed, and only 15 out of 194 nations met it. This represents less than 8% compliance with the Paris Agreement, which requires nations to submit new plans every five years. These plans, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), outline how countries aim to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C or 2°C above pre-industrial levels. The NDCs should include stronger emission cuts than previous plans and detail strategies for mitigating climate change over the next decade. The deadline was set for February 2025, ahead of the UN climate conference, Cop30, in Brazil. The low submission rate raises concerns that without clear plans, countries may lack the motivation to enhance their climate ambitions. It also complicates the assessment of financial needs for climate action. Among the 15 countries that submitted NDCs on time are the United Arab Emirates, the UK, and Brazil. Brazil's new commitment aims for a 59-67% reduction in emissions by 2035. However, some major emitters, including China, India, and Russia, did not submit new plans. China's and India's earlier commitments have been rated as insufficient by scientists. The EU also missed the deadline, showing a shift away from global cooperation on climate change. Experts warn that continued inaction may lead global temperatures to rise by 4.4°C by 2100, with severe consequences. The future of climate action relies on countries revising their NDCs and implementing stronger measures. Failure to enhance these plans could jeopardize the critical goal of limiting global warming. The potential outcomes depend on how nations choose to act moving forward.