A Framework for Describing Fairness and Ambition in Intended Nationally Determined Contributions

The document outlines a descriptive narrative framework for Parties to the UNFCCC to communicate the fairness and ambition of their intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) ahead of COP21. It suggests that countries use a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators to explain their contributions relative to their emissions responsibility, capabilities, and development needs. The proposed framework consists of five components: an initial framing statement, a description of pre-2020 undertakings, an explanation of fairness and ambition based on national circumstances, an assessment of the contribution toward the Convention's objectives, and additional considerations. The goal is to enhance international transparency, enable peer comparison, and build trust among Parties to motivate collective climate action.

• The framework proposes that countries describe the fairness and ambition of their INDCs as a "descriptive narrative" using both qualitative and quantitative indicators rather than a single formula.
• To determine the level and type of action, a country's description of fairness and ambition should consider its emissions profile and responsibility, its capabilities and development needs, its vulnerability and adaptation capacity, and its opportunities to act.
• The proposed framework for communicating INDCs is structured into five main components: an initial framing statement, a description of pre-2020 undertakings, an explanation of how contributions are fair and ambitious given national circumstances, an explanation of how they achieve the Convention's objectives, and additional considerations.
• A robust description of fairness and ambition in an INDC allows Parties to compare their efforts with peers in similar circumstances and address whether they are contributing their "fair share" to avoid catastrophic climate change.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). A Framework for Describing Fairness and Ambition in Intended Nationally Determined Contributions. https://www.wri.org/research/framework-describing-fairness-and-ambition-intended-nationally-determined-contributions

Chicago

World Resources Institute. A Framework for Describing Fairness and Ambition in Intended Nationally Determined Contributions. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/framework-describing-fairness-and-ambition-intended-nationally-determined-contributions.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=A Framework for Describing Fairness and Ambition in Intended Nationally Determined Contributions |url=https://www.wri.org/research/framework-describing-fairness-and-ambition-intended-nationally-determined-contributions |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendframework, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{A Framework for Describing Fairness and Ambition in Intended Nationally Determined Contributions}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/framework-describing-fairness-and-ambition-intended-nationally-determined-contributions}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }