Search Climate Insights Directory

This executive summary from the Stockholm Environment Institute examines policy coherence between the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2030, drawing on research from nine countries. It argues that incoherence is driven by power asymmetries, vested interests, and the prioritization of economic growth over social and environmental goals, rather than simple coordination failures.

This research paper analyzes the tension between Nigeria's goal of achieving a USD1 trillion GDP by 2030 and its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It examines the institutional frameworks, the carbon intensity of industrial growth, and the financial gaps hindering a sustainable energy transition.

The African Climate Foundation and Dalberg developed the NDC Investment Planner (NIP) to help African governments translate Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from broad policy frameworks into bankable project pipelines. The NIP provides a structured, three-stage process—Identify, Evaluate, and Select and Act—to align climate ambition with investment logic and economic transformation goals.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) argues that the commitment made at COP 28 to transition away from fossil fuels is currently failing, with production plans exceeding 1.5°C limits. It identifies COP 30 in Belém as a critical juncture for governments to align financial flows, increase the ambition of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and operationalize the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP).

This policy brief by the African Future Policies Hub analyzes the implications of the July 2025 International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change. The document argues that the ruling provides a legal and moral foundation to demand scaled-up climate finance, emphasizing the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) and the necessity of reparations. It specifically links the ruling to the Baku to Belém (B2B) Roadmap and the financing of the third generation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) leading up to COP30.

This report by Ember examines Thailand's need to accelerate its clean energy transition to maintain global competitiveness and support the growth of electric vehicle (EV) and data centre sectors. It highlights the tension between rising electricity demand from these sectors and the country's carbon reduction targets, suggesting that a clean power system is essential to attract foreign investment and meet the sustainability requirements of global tech companies.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), representing the Life After Coal/Impilo Ngaphandle Kwamalahle Campaign, submitted comments on South Africa's Draft Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The submission argues that the draft's mitigation targets are inadequate and lack ambition, proposing instead more stringent emission limits aligned with the 1.5°C global warming target. The CER also criticizes the lack of transparency in the process, specifically the late release of the underlying technical report, and calls for stronger integration of climate justice, adaptation measures, and a clear commitment to phasing out fossil fuels.

This guide explains Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as the primary vehicle for countries to implement the Paris Agreement's goals. It highlights a critical gap between current commitments (leading to 2.6-3.1°C warming) and the 1.5°C target, urging more ambitious 2025 submissions. The document details the need for $4.5 trillion in funding for developing nations and outlines the NCQG's goal to mobilize $300 billion annually by 2035.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) evaluates the first 18 updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by non-Annex I parties by May 31, 2025. It assesses whether these 'NDC 3.0' documents are evolving into 'investment-ready' prospectuses by analyzing three dimensions: the quantification of financial needs, the design of mobilization strategies, and the credibility of implementation plans.

This report by RMI outlines strategies and a toolkit for Caribbean policymakers and energy leaders to accelerate a just and equitable transition from aging, diesel-based energy models to resilient renewable energy systems, emphasizing the urgency of the transition due to climate impacts and the importance of the 2025 window for revising Nationally Determined Contributions ahead of COP30.

This document details the methodology used by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) to evaluate the 'investability' of the finance components within the third round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0). The framework uses seven indicators to assess how effectively non-Annex I countries communicate climate finance needs and strategies to attract private and international capital.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines how 10 countries are integrating their National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

This research paper evaluates the potential for Nigeria to establish a Country Platform for Climate Action (CPCA) to address a significant climate financing gap. It analyzes the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) in other nations as a model, suggesting that Nigeria should adopt a more inclusive approach that integrates resilience, industrial growth, and social equity alongside energy transition.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the role of Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) in Africa, focusing on the food sector. It argues that while African governments have set ambitious adaptation targets, governance barriers, financial constraints, and a lack of meaningful integration of local and Indigenous knowledge hinder effectiveness. The document advocates for decentralised finance, inclusive governance, and robust monitoring systems to ensure climate resilience is sustainable and context-specific.

This policy brief examines the role of Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) in Africa, highlighting how centering decision-making at the community level can address the severe economic and social costs of climate change. While many African nations have integrated adaptation goals into national policies, the document identifies significant governance and financial barriers that hinder the effective implementation of LLA, particularly within food systems.

The Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) submitted a consultation document in April 2025 providing recommendations to embed human health considerations into Nepal's draft Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0. The submission emphasizes the intersection of climate action and public health, urging Nepal to align its conditional targets with 1.5°C warming limits, address air pollution as a cross-cutting issue, and quantify the economic costs of health-related climate losses and damages.

This briefing explains the nature and function of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement, detailing how these national climate plans serve as frameworks for emissions targets, financial needs, and the global energy transition.

This report by the Global Climate and Health Alliance evaluates the integration of health objectives within the third generation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) submitted by several countries. The analysis finds that while many nations recognize the health benefits of climate mitigation, most NDCs lack measurable health targets, dedicated funding for health adaptation, and alignment with 1.5°C pathways necessary to protect human health.

This guide from the Center for International Environmental Law provides civil society organizations (CSOs) with tools and strategies to ensure that the 2025 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are based on human rights. It outlines the nature of NDCs under the Paris Agreement and provides a framework for CSOs to engage governments, participate in planning, and hold states accountable for their climate commitments.

This guidebook provides civil society organizations with tools and strategies to ensure that Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are based on human rights, emphasizing the obligations of Paris Agreement Parties and the effectiveness of human rights-based climate policies.