NEW YORK (September 24, 2025) — The UN Secretary-General’s Climate Summit closed today with several new climate commitments from countries setting emissions targets through 2035 — a critical waypoint on the path to net zero by mid-century. The Summit is an important milestone as the UN prepares its NDC Synthesis Report next month, which will assess the collective impact of new pledges before this year’s COP30.

This statement reflects both country announcements and official NDC submissions made so far, drawing on preliminary Climate Watch data to show their potential emissions reductions in gigatons compared to countries’ 2030 targets. 

Following is a statement from Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, World Resources Institute: 

“We cannot sugarcoat it: these new climate plans do not put us anywhere near on track for a safe future. The lack of ambition from most major emitters so far, barring a few, underscores the immense political challenge countries face of transforming their entire economy. Yet vulnerable countries continue to step up with bold climate leadership.

“Countries’ last round of NDCs put the world on track for up to 2.8°C of warming, already exposing billions of people to more frequent and intense heatwaves, wildfires, storms and floods. By 2035, the world needs to cut 31.2 gigatons of emissions to stay on track for 1.5°C, or 20.2 Gt for 2°C. The NDCs and announcements so far would reduce that by just 2 gigatons  — only 6% of what’s needed for 1.5°C and 10% for 2°C. 

“By COP30, it is critical that all countries deliver the most ambitious possible climate plans, especially the major emitters still missing from the table.

“Some countries are taking steps to transform key sectors of their economy. Falling costs are accelerating this momentum: clean energy, heat pumps, and electric vehicles are now the lowest cost option in many parts of the world — creating jobs, boosting countries’ growth and competitiveness, securing reliable clean energy, and improving people’s quality of life. Countries need to do much more to seize this momentum and scale up renewable energy and clean transport solutions.

“The stakes could not be higher. Climate-related disasters cost the world at least $300 billion in 2024 alone, and without stronger steps these losses will continue to escalate. By COP30, all countries must present a clear response and double down on solutions within our grasp to cut emissions and build adequate resilience.”