What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?
Remember back in school when we had group projects and each person made non-binding commitments to contribute towards successful completion of the project? Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are kind of like that. To successfully curb the effects of climate change, each country makes non-binding commitments to contribute towards global climate action.
However, unlike the group project, if the burden falls on just one country, we all may fail to keep our planet and ourselves healthy.
The sum of the NDCs equals the global commitment towards stopping our planet from turning into a hot mess i.e., stopping the average temperature from rising beyond 1.5°C.
India has made bold (but with all our help, reasonable) pledges including a reduction of 45% of GHGs by 2030 compared to 2005, and most notably, achieving net zero emissions by 2070.
Why should you care?
Unless you have discovered a secret passage to Narnia or have made best friends with Mr. Musk to inhabit Mars, achieving our NDCs is the surest way to avoid being impacted by the climate crisis.
Yes, India’s made promises. But, just as we promise ourselves “okay, only one cheat day a week” and then get tempted by the decadent vegan chocolate cheesecake, so does our country in the face of coal, plastic, palm and other contributors to our GDP. Actually, we’re not alone. The sum of all the country’s NDCs currently isn’t enough to avoid the 1.5°C rise in temperature.
Only 2 countries in the world currently have plans compatible with the 1.5°C goal; Morocco and The Gambia, 2 countries that have minimal carbon footprints to begin with.
How can you help?
First, know thy country’s NDCs.
Here is the gist:
- To encourage a healthy and sustainable way of living through conservation and moderation.
- A more climate friendly path to economic development.
- 45% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
- 40% power capacity from non-fossil fuel energy sources by 2030.
- Increase forest cover to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030.
- Improve adaptability to climate change by enhancing investments in climate change vulnerable sectors; agriculture, water, himalayas, coastal regions, health and disaster management.
- To mobilize funds from developed countries to bridge the gap in resources to successfully mitigate and/or adapt to climate change.
- To build capacity for climate tech.
Second, vote. Vote for better climate policies.
Third, keep tracking the climate action tracker where currently our country is “highly insufficient” in taking climate action.
And lastly, take climate action yourself. You can kickstart your climate action journey with our sustainable and effective personal care products. Shop now.
