Under the Paris Agreement, Parties are required to prepare, communicate, and maintain successive nationally determined contributions (NDCs) representing their highest possible ambition. Following the ICJ’s advisory opinion clarifying States’ obligations, NDCs are now subject to heightened scrutiny regarding their ambition, progression, and compliance with procedural and substantive requirements. Ahead of COP 30, LRI prepared this explainer to brief negotiators on the legal obligations, features, and guidance applicable NDCs.
This explainer outlines the binding and non-binding aspects of NDCs, including obligations under Articles 4(2), 4(3), and 4(8), the role of Information to Facilitate Clarity, Transparency and Understanding (ICTU), and the influence of the Global Stocktake on NDC ambition and content.