Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Pledges
November 1, 2022
by Selected Countries: Nationally Determined
Kezee Procita
Contributions and Net-Zero Legislation
Head Research and Library
Services Section
Human-related emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) has increased globally over time. These

increasing emissions contribute to a changing climate. Many governments are taking steps to
reduce GHG emissions in an effort to lessen the potential impacts of climate change. National

governments are guiding efforts to reduce GHG emissions in two general ways: (1) by setting
emission reduction targets in updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement (PA), and (2) by
enacting domestic legislation aimed at achieving net-zero emissions, referred to as net-zero legislation. Net-zero emissions or
net-zero refers to situations where human-caused GHG emissions are balanced by removal of GHG from the atmosphere,
including by natural storage in forests and other ecosystems and technological removal and storage.
NDCs are the primary communication of how Parties to the PA are seeking to achieve the agreement’s goals. NDCs reflect
countries’ own national climate objectives and plans, including emission reduction goals, climate change adaptation plans,
and other elements. All NDCs must address GHG emissions reductions and list quantifiable GHG emission reduction targets,
with flexibility for some countries as to when. Many countries requesting financial assistance include two sets of targets:
unconditional targets using a country’s own resources, and additional, more ambitious targets that are conditional on
international support. Parties must submit subsequent NDCs every five years, with the next due in 2025; these submissions
are to reflect a progression to collectively increased ambition over time. Many countries submitted updated NDCs in 2020
and 2021 in advance of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), held in November 2021 in Glasgow,
UK. Increased ambition is reflected in some of the NDCs submitted, which, in many instances, identify countries’ actions by
the year 2030. Nonetheless, in the COP26 Glasgow Climate Compact, Parties asserted based on then-current NDCs that “the
aggregate greenhouse gas emission level, taking into account implementation of all submitted nationally determined
contributions, is estimated to be 13.7 per cent above the 2010 level in 2030.” The Parties also “recogniz[ed] that limiting
global warming to 1.5 °C requires rapid, deep and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions, including
reducing global carbon dioxide emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 relative to the 2010 level and to net zero around mid-
century as well as deep reductions in other greenhouse gases.” The Glasgow Climate Compact consequently requested
Parties “to revisit and strengthen the 2030 targets in their nationally determined contributions as necessary to align with the
Paris Agreement temperature goal by the end of 2022, taking into account different national circumstances.”
The Congressional Research Service selected to track herein the NDCs of 51 countries, including the United States; the
countries were identified using various criteria (e.g., G20 members, top 20 GHG emitters, countries with enacted or
introduced net-zero legislation). As of September 30 2022, of the 51 countries, 44 have submitted updated or second NDCs,
39 of these clearly stated more ambitious GHG emission reduction targets than their country’s first NDC. More generally, the
PA asks countries to commit to increasingly ambitious GHG mitigation efforts and encourages countries to submit long-term
low GHG emission development strategies. These strategies do not necessarily translate into clear pathways or concrete
domestic efforts to reach net-zero emissions. Some countries have proposed or enacted legislation aiming to achieve net-zero
emissions domestically, in addition to pledges in their NDCs. Other countries, like the United States, have references to net-
zero emissions in policy documents without having enacted legislation.
Research by the Law Library of Congress indicates the EU, 11 of its member states, and 20 additional countries have enacted
net-zero legislation and 3 countries have proposed net-zero legislation. Most countries or regions with enacted legislation
have set a date of net-zero emissions, carbon neutrality, or climate neutrality by 2050. The most ambitious deadline is set by
Iceland, which has enacted legislation requiring carbon neutrality by 2040. Germany and Sweden both have set deadlines of
net-zero emissions by 2045. Several bills proposing net-zero emissions goals for the United States have been introduced in
recent Congresses. Discussion of legislative proposals for U.S. net-zero emissions is beyond the scope of this analysis.
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Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Efforts by Selected Countries

Introduction
Human-related emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) has increased globally over time. These
increasing emissions contribute to a changing climate, which is a concern to governments,
organizations, and others. Many governments are taking steps to reduce GHG emissions in an
effort to lessen the potential impacts of climate change. Such efforts are occurring on multiple
levels, including globally, nationally, and sub-nationally, as well as by civil society and
individuals. On the global and national scale, many countries are working toward the goals laid
out in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement (PA), which commits collectively to, “Holding the
increase in the global average temperature to well below 2⁰C above pre-industrial levels and
pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5⁰C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing
that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.”1
This report presents information about Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which
communicate the primary targets and actions to 2030 by which Parties to the PA are seeking to
achieve the agreement’s goals. NDCs report countries’ own national climate plans and include
emission reduction goals, climate change adaptation plans, and financing needs, among other
elements. Each country’s NDC is to reflect its capacity to contribute to the collective reduction of
global emissions, a principle described in the PA as “common but differentiated responsibilities
and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances.”2
This report also lists selected countries’ enacted or proposed net-zero emissions legislation. Net-
zero emissions refers to a situation where human-caused GHG emissions are fully balanced by
removal of GHG from the atmosphere, including by natural storage in forests and other
ecosystems as well as by technological removal and storage.3
Background and Context
NDCs and legislation focused on achieving net-zero emissions are the main tools countries use to
guide their contributions to meeting the temperature goals of the PA and the broader objective of
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC was
adopted in 1992 with the objective of achieving
[S]tabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would
prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a level should
be achieved within a time-frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate
change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic
development to proceed in a sustainable manner.4

1 United Nations Treaty Collection, Chapter XXVII Environment, 7.d. Paris Agreement, Paris, December 12, 2015, at
https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/english_paris_agreement.pdf. (Hereinafter, Paris Agreement.) For more
information, see CRS Report R44609, Climate Change: Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Paris Agreement,
by Jane A. Leggett and Richard K. Lattanzio.
2 Paris Agreement, Article 2.
3 For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11821, Net-Zero Emissions Pledges: Background and Recent
Developments, by Michael I. Westphal.
4 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), agreed on May 9, 1992, entered into force
March 21, 1994, 1771 U.N.T.S. 107, United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1771, p. 107; and U.S. depositary notifications
C.N.148.1993, at https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/CN/1993/CN.148.1993-Eng.pdf.
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The PA is a subsidiary agreement under the UNFCCC and Article 4 of the PA expands on the
objectives of the UNFCCC:
In order to achieve the long-term temperature goal set out in Article 2, Parties aim to reach
global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, recognizing that peaking
will take longer for developing country Parties, and to undertake rapid reductions thereafter
in accordance with best available science, so as to achieve a balance between
anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the
second half of this century, on the basis of equity, and in the context of sustainable
development and efforts to eradicate poverty.5
Other ways in which countries individually and collectively work toward these goals include
developing long-term low emissions development scenarios (LT-LEDS)6 and implementing the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), in particular SDG 13, Climate Action.7
These latter efforts are outside of the scope of this report.
Congress has expressed interest in collective global efforts to reduce net GHG emissions for
numerous reasons. The potential impacts from a warming climate pose already-detected risks
globally, to varying degrees across countries and regions.8 The United States is vulnerable to
many potential impacts of climate change, including more variable water supplies, more extreme
weather events, shifting crop yields and declining livestock productivity, rising energy costs,
higher levels of air pollution, and coastal effects of sea level rise. The ability to stabilize climate
change and avoid potential global and domestic effects depends on the participation of significant
GHG emitters.9
As a Party to the PA, the United States submitted an NDC in 2016 and again when it rejoined the
agreement in 2021.10 Members of Congress have expressed interest in countries’ relative
emissions reductions efforts, including how they compare with U.S. efforts. They have expressed
concerns about the relationships between efforts to mitigate GHG emissions, their fairness, and
effects on economic competitiveness. Members and their staff meet with representatives from
other nations to discuss potential needs and actions to address climate change; for example, they
may meet at the annual UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP) meetings and other bilateral and
multilateral meetings. The United States helps build governance capacities and funds, including
via multilateral funding mechanisms and overseas climate mitigation and adaptation programs
that may be identified in NDCs.
Whereas most NDCs aim at the 2030 time frame, this report also lists a mid-century perspective
of countries’ enacted and proposed domestic laws that aim to reduce GHG emissions to net-zero
(Table 3). This report presents a series of tables and visualizations to facilitate comparison of

5 Paris Agreement, Article 4.
6 UNFCCC, Communication of long-term strategies, at https://unfccc.int/process/the-paris-agreement/long-term-
strategies.
7 United Nations (U.N.), The 17 Sustainable Development Goals, at https://sdgs.un.org/goals.
8 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), “AR6 Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis -
Summary for Policy Makers,” August 9, 2021. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/.
9 In 2019, the top 10 greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters are (from highest to lowest): China, the U.S., India, Indonesia,
Russia, Brazil, Japan, Iran, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. World Resources Institute, Climate Watch Data, “Historical
GHG Emissions,” 2022, available at https://www.climatewatchdata.org/ghg-emissions.
10 See CRS In Focus IF11746, United States Rejoins the Paris Agreement on Climate Change: Options for Congress,
by Jane A. Leggett.
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countries’ emission reduction targets, where available. Countries were selected for inclusion
because they meet one or more of the following criteria:
 among the top 20 emitters of GHGs globally;
 a member of the Group of Seven (G7) or Group of 20 (G20) largest countries
plus the European Union;
 among the top 50 emitters of GHGs globally and received over $10 million in
economic assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID) in 2019 or 2020;11
 among the top 50 emitters of GHGs globally and have received funding from the
Green Climate Fund;12
 have been of interest to Members of Congress engaging in international
congressional delegations; or
 introduced or enacted net-zero legislation.
This report is not comprehensive of data for all countries globally or all Parties to the Paris
Agreement. The data in this report are current as of September 30, 2022, unless otherwise noted.
Nationally Determined Contributions
NDCs present countries’ own efforts, dependent on their circumstances, to reduce emissions and
adapt to the effects of climate change. Per Article 4 of the PA, “Each Party shall prepare,
communicate and maintain successive
nationally determined contributions that it
NDCs Timeline13
intends to achieve. Parties shall pursue
domestic mitigation measures, with the aim of
2015 – COP21: Signatories to the PA were required to
submit an Intended NDC (INDC); INDC becomes First
achieving the objectives of such
NDC upon ratification of PA.
contributions.”14
2020 (2021) – COP26: Parties to the PA are required
Each Party that signed the PA was required to
to submit a new or updated NDC that includes the
time frame to 2025 and 2030. COP26, which was
submit an Intended NDC at that time, and that
scheduled to be held in 2020, was postponed until 2021
document became its First NDC upon
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ratification of the PA; otherwise, Parties must
2025 – Next round of NDCs expected.
communicate their NDCs upon joining the
agreement.15 Parties are required to submit subsequent NDCs every five years, with the next due

11 These countries were identified using the foreignassistance.gov database to search for all USAID economic (not
military) obligations in 2019 and 2020 and totaling each countries’ obligations to identify those that received more than
$10 million in either year and Climate Watch Data to identify the top 50 emitters of GHG in 2019. Countries meeting
both criteria were included in Table 1. This list is not comprehensive of all aid recipients. It does not include aid
awarded regionally or to multiple countries.
12 These countries were identified using the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Projects & Programs Countries website
available at https://www.greenclimate.fund/countries and Climate Watch Data to identify the top 50 emitters. GCF
recipient countries that were also among the top 50 emitters of GHG in 2019 are included in Table 1. This list should
not be considered comprehensive of all GCF recipients.
13 For more information, see UNFCCC, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), at https://unfccc.int/process-
and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/nationally-determined-contributions-ndcs/nationally-determined-contributions-ndcs.
14 Paris Agreement, Article 4.
15 UN Treaty Collection, “7.d Paris Agreement,” Status as at 26-8-2021, at https://treaties.un.org/pages/
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in 2025. Subsequent NDCs are to reflect a progression of contributions to collectively increase
ambition over time. Article 4 of the PA states that, “Each Party’s successive nationally determined
contribution will represent a progression beyond the Party’s then current nationally determined
contribution and reflect its highest possible ambition, reflecting its common but differentiated
responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances.”16
Parties decided that those who submitted first NDCs that did not include 2030 goals were
required to submit new (second) NDCs by 2020. Others were asked to submit updated NDCs by
2020 that reflect increasing ambitions. The majority of countries met this deadline in advance of
the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), held in November 2021 in
Glasgow, UK. As of September 30, 2022, of 192 Parties to the PA, 165 have submitted new,
updated, or second NDCs.17
Increased ambition is reflected in some of the new NDCs or updates submitted in 2020 or 2021,
which, in many instances, identify countries’ actions by the year 2030. Nonetheless, in the COP26
Glasgow Climate Compact, Parties noted analysis of then-current NDCs, finding that “the
aggregate greenhouse gas emission level, taking into account implementation of all submitted
nationally determined contributions, is estimated to be 13.7 per cent above the 2010 level in
2030.” The Parties also “recogniz[ed] that limiting global warming to 1.5 °C requires rapid, deep
and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions, including reducing global carbon
dioxide emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 relative to the 2010 level and to net zero around mid-
century as well as deep reductions in other greenhouse gases.” The Glasgow Climate Compact
consequently requested Parties “to revisit and strengthen the 2030 targets in their nationally
determined contributions as necessary to align with the Paris Agreement temperature goal by the
end of 2022, taking into account different national circumstances.”18
The UNFCCC divides Parties into three broad groups with differing emissions reduction
capacities and expectations. Annex I Parties (listed in Annex I of the UNFCCC) are generally
those countries that were considered developed in 1992; non-Annex I Parties are all the others.
The United Nations considers 49 Parties to be least developed countries; the UNFCCC
recognizes these countries to have limited capacity to respond and adapt to climate change, and
therefore provides different treatment in some provisions.19 The UNFCCC also refers to
developed country Parties and developing country Parties, but these categories are not defined.
The PA largely erased the bifurcation of responsibilities between Annex I and non-Annex I
Parties, such that all share the same mandatory requirements. It retains the UNFCCC principle of
common but differentiated responsibilities, and sometimes acknowledges that the pace of
implementation may vary by development status. Article 4 of the PA states the following:
Developed country Parties should continue taking the lead by undertaking economy-wide
absolute emission reduction targets. Developing country Parties should continue enhancing
their mitigation efforts, and are encouraged to move over time towards economy-wide
emission reduction or limitation targets in the light of different national circumstances.

ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXVII-7-d&chapter=27&clang=_en.
16 Paris Agreement, Article 4.
17 Climate Watch Data, NDC Enhancement Tracker, at https://www.climatewatchdata.org/2020-ndc-tracker.
18 UNFCCC, Report of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement on its
third session, held in Glasgow from 31 October to 13 November 2021, March 8, 2022, at https://unfccc.int/sites/default/
files/resource/cma2021_10_add1_adv.pdf.
19 UNFCCC, Parties & Observers, at https://unfccc.int/parties-observers.
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The least developed countries and small island developing States may prepare and
communicate strategies, plans and actions for low greenhouse gas emissions development
reflecting their special circumstances.20
All NDCs must address GHG emission reductions. Most NDCs list quantifiable GHG emission
reduction targets. These targets appear in a variety of formats and include measurable reductions
for specific sectors or GHGs and a specified year to reach peak emissions prior to reducing
emissions. All Parties are required to include in their NDCs, “information necessary for clarity,
transparency, and understanding,”21 including a reference point (base year or scenario),
implementation timeframe and sectors and gases included, among other details. Many countries
requesting financial assistance include two sets of targets: targets unconditional on international
support and additional, more ambitious, targets that are conditional on international support.22
Countries’ NDCs may include additional goals, for example, efforts to improve adaptation
measures, increase forest coverage, or improve access to water.
The October 2022 Nationally Determined Contributions Under the Paris Agreement Synthesis
Report by the Secretariat reviewed 166 NDCs, including 142 new or updated NDCs
communicated by 193 Parties that were available in the NDC registry as of September 23, 2022.23
The Synthesis Report estimates the Parties included in this review account for approximately
95% of total global emissions in 2019.24 Selected observations in the Synthesis Report include the
following:
 “Most Parties (90 percent) provided quantified mitigation targets, expressed as
clear numerical targets, while the rest (10 per cent) included strategies, policies,
plans and actions for which there is no quantifiable information as components of
their NDCS”;
 “Most Parties (80 percent) communicated economy-wide targets, covering all or
almost all sectors defined in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines, with an increasing
number of Parties moving to absolute emission reduction targets in their new or
updated NDCs”;
 “In terms of GHGs, all NDCs cover CO2 [carbon dioxide] emissions; most cover
CH4 [methane] (91 percent), and N2O [nitrous oxide] (per cent) emissions, many
(53 per cent) cover HFC [hydrofluorocarbons] emissions and some cover PFC
[perfluorocarbons], SF6 [sulfur hexafluoride] (36 percent) and NF3 [nitrogen
trifluoride] (26 percent) emissions”;
 “Most of the Parties (74 percent) that submitted new or updated NDCs have
strengthened their commitment to reducing or limiting GHG emissions by 2025
and/or 2030”; and
 “Almost all Parties (93 percent) provided quantified information on their
mitigation targets and reference points. Of the Parties that submitted new or
updated NDCs, most (84 percent) updated the basis for defining their targets,

20 Paris Agreement, Article 4.
21 Paris Agreement, Article 4.
22 UNFCCC, Nationally Determined Contributions Under the Paris Agreement, Synthesis Report by the Secretariat,
October 26, 2022, at https://unfccc.int/documents/619180 (Hereinafter, Synthesis Report, 2022); Center for Climate
and Energy Solutions, Q&A: Understanding Paris Agreement NDCs, at https://www.c2es.org/content/q-and-a-
understanding-paris-agreement-ndcs/.
23 Synthesis Report, 2022.
24 Synthesis Report, 2022.
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including reference points and/or ‘business as usual’ scenarios. Such updates lead
to higher-quality NDCs and, for some Parties, to significant changes in the
estimated emission levels for 2025 and 2030.”25
Observations of Selected NDCs
NDC Submission Status
Table 1 contains the NDC submission status for the 51 countries selected for inclusion in this
report. Of the top 20 GHG emitters,26 16 submitted updated NDCs in 2020, 2021, or 2022 (as of
September 30, 2022). Russia and Turkey submitted first NDCs in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
The United States submitted its new first NDC after rejoining the PA in 2021. Iran has not
submitted an NDC.
Table 1. Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Submission Status for Selected
Countries
(as of September 30, 2022)
Most Recent NDC
Countries
No. of Countries
First NDC
Algeria, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Russia, Turkey
6
First NDC, updated
Angola, Australia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon,
43
Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, European Union, France, Germany,
Ghana, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico,
Morocco, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Saudi
Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sudan, Tanzania,
Thailand, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, United Kingdom,a United
States,b Venezuela, Vietnam
Second NDC
Argentina
1
No NDC
Iran
1
Source: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Nationally Determined
Contributions (NDCs) Registry, at https://unfccc.int/NDCREG.
a. The United Kingdom submitted its own First NDC on December 12, 2020, reflecting an increased ambition
over the European Union’s First NDC from 2016.
b. The United States submitted its First NDC on April 22, 2021, after rejoining the PA, reflecting an increased
ambition over its First NDC from 2016.
Comparison of First NDCs to Updated or Second NDCs
In most instances, countries’ updated or second NDCs reflect greater emissions reduction
intentions—often referred to as “enhanced ambition”—when compared with their first NDCs.
Additionally, many updated NDCs include specific emission reduction targets for 2030.27 Table 2
compares GHG mitigation targets between each country’s first and updated or second NDC,
where available.

25 Synthesis Report, 2022.
26 Based on 2019 Climate Watch Data.
27 Article 4 of the Paris Agreement uses the term “ambition” to describe countries’ emission reduction plans. The use of
“ambition” throughout this report reflects this language and does not imply judgment by CRS.
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Figure 1 shows a map of the selected countries and whether their updated or second NDCs
include enhanced ambition. Figure 1 distinguishes between G20 and non-G20 countries and
includes the percentage of global GHG emissions estimates for each G20 member country in
2019. Collectively, G20 member countries accounted for approximately 75% of global GHG
emissions in 2019.28
Countries without updated NDCs are excluded from Table 2 and Figure 1.

28 Climate Watch Data, Global Historical Emissions, at https://www.climatewatchdata.org/ghg-emissions.
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Table 2. Increased Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Targets in Updated or Second
NDCs from Selected Countries
GHG emissions estimates are in million metric tons (Mt) of carbon dioxide-equivalents (CO2e) and
include net of removals by land uses and forestry. BAU is “business-as-usual” scenario.
(as of September 30, 2022)
First NDC (INDC) Mitigation
Second or Updateda NDC Mitigation
Country
Commitments
Commitments
Angola
35% reduction from BAU (BAU = 193 in
15% reduction from BAU (BAU = 108 in
2030) by 2030 (unconditional);
2025) by 2025 (unconditional);
50% reduction from BAU (BAU = 193 in
25% reduction from BAU (BAU = 108 in
2030) by 2030 (unconditional + conditional)
2025) by 2025 (unconditional + conditional)
Argentina
Shall not exceed 483 in 2030
Shall not exceed 359 in 2030
Australia
26%-28% below 2005 levels by 2030
43% below 2005 levels by 2030
Bangladesh
5% reduction from BAU by 2030 in the
6.73% reduction from BAU (BAU = 409 in
power, transport, and industry sectors
2030) by 2030 (unconditional);
(unconditional);
21.85% reduction from BAU (BAU = 409 in
20% reduction from BAU by 2030 in the
2030) by 2030 (unconditional + conditional)
power, transport, and industry sectors
(unconditional + conditional)
Brazil
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 37%
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 37%
below 2005 levels in 2025;
below 2005 levels in 2025;
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43%
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50%
below 2005 levels in 2030
below 2005 levels in 2030
Cameroon
32% reduction from baseline (104) in 2035
12% reduction from 2010 levels by 2030
(conditional)
(unconditional)
35% reduction from 2010 levels by 2030
(unconditional + conditional)
Canada
30% reduction from 2005 levels by 2030
40%-45% reduction from 2005 levels by 2030
Chile
30% reduction of CO2 emissions/GDP from
Peak emissions by 2025;
2007 levels by 2030;
Maximum annual emissions up to 95 by 2030;
35%-45% reduction of CO2 emissions/GDP
Accumulated emissions between 2020 and
from 2007 levels by 2030, conditional and
2030 shall not exceed 1,100
considering economic growth
China
Peak CO2 emissions around 2030;
Peak CO2 emissions before 2030;
Reduce CO2 emissions per unit GDP from
Achieve carbon neutrality before 2060;
2005 levels by 60%-65%;
Lower CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by
Increase share of nonfossil fuels in primary
over 65% from the 2005 level;
energy consumption to around 20%;
Increase share of non-fossil fuels in primary
Increase forest stock by 4.5 billion cubic
energy consumption to around 25%;
meters from 2005 level
Increase the forest stock volume by 6 bil ion
cubic meters from the 2005 level;
Bring total installed capacity of wind and solar
power to over 1.2 bil ion kilowatts by 2030
Colombia
20% reduction from BAU by 2030
Emit a maximum of 169.44 in 2030 (equivalent
(unconditional);
to a 51% reduction compared with emissions
30% reduction from BAU by 2030
projection in 2030 reference scenario)
(unconditional + conditional)
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First NDC (INDC) Mitigation
Second or Updateda NDC Mitigation
Country
Commitments
Commitments
Democratic
17% reduction from BAU (BAU = 430) by
2% reduction from BAU by 2030
Republic of the 2030
(unconditional);
Congo
21% reduction from BAU by 2030
(unconditional + conditional)
Egypt
INDC did not include quantified GHG
Reduction of electricity emissions by 33%; oil
reduction targets.
and gas emissions by 65%; and transport
emissions by 7% by 2030 relative to BAU
Ethiopia
64% reduction from BAU by 2030
14% reduction from BAU (BAU = 403.5 in
2030) by 2030 (unconditional);
68.8% reduction from BAU (BAU = 403.5 in
2030) by 2030 (unconditional + conditional)
EUb
At least a 40% reduction from 1990 levels by
At least a 55% reduction from 1990 levels by
2030
2030
India
33% to 35% reduction in emissions intensity of 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030
GDP by 2030
compared to 2005 levels
Indonesia
26% reduction from BAU (BAU = 2881 in
31.89% reduction from BAU (BAU = 2869 in
2030) by 2030 (unconditional);
2030) by 2030 (unconditional);
41% reduction from BAU (BAU = 2881 in
43.20% reduction from BAU (BAU = 2869 in
2030) by 2030 (unconditional + conditional)
2030) by 2030 (unconditional + conditional)
Japan
26% reduction from FY2013 levels by FY2030;
46% reduction from FY2013 levels by FY2030;
(25.4% reduction compared with FY2005)
Net zero by 2050
Kenya
30% reduction from BAU (BAU = 143) by
32% reduction from BAU (BAU = 143) by
2030
2030
Malaysia
35% reduction of GHG emissions intensity of
45% reduction of economy-wide carbon
GDP by 2030 (unconditional);
intensity (per unit of GDP) from 2005 level by
45% reduction of GHG emissions intensity of
2030
GDP by 2030 (unconditional + conditional)
Mexico
25% reduction of GHG and short lived climate 22% of GHG emissions and 51% reduction of
pol utants from BAU by 2030 including a 22%
black carbon emissions from BAU (BAU = 991
reduction of GHG and a 51% reduction of
in 2030) by 2030 (unconditional);
black carbon (unconditional);
36% reduction of GHG from BAU (BAU =
Up to a 40% reduction of GHG and short
991 in 2030) by 2030 including a 70%
lived climate pol utants from BAU by 2030
reduction of black carbon by 2030
including a 70% reduction of black carbon by
(unconditional + conditional)
2030 (unconditional + conditional)
Morocco
17% reduction below BAU (BAU = 171 in
18.3% reduction compared to BAU (BAU =
2030) by 2030 (unconditional);
142 in 2030) by 2030 (unconditional);
32% reduction below BAU (BAU = 171 in
45.5% reduction compared to BAU (BAU =
2030) by 2030 (unconditional + conditional)
142 in 2030) by 2030 (unconditional +
conditional)
Myanmar
INDC did not include quantified GHG
244.52 reduction by 2030 (unconditional);
reduction targets.
414.75 reduction by 2030 (unconditional +
conditional)
Nigeria
20% reduction from BAU by 2030
20% reduction from BAU by 2030
(unconditional);
(unconditional);
45% reduction from BAU by 2030
47% reduction from BAU by 2030
(unconditional + conditional)
(unconditional + conditional)
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First NDC (INDC) Mitigation
Second or Updateda NDC Mitigation
Country
Commitments
Commitments
Pakistan
INDC did not include quantified GHG
15% reduction from BAU (BAU = 1603 in
reduction targets.
2030) by 2030 (unconditional);
50% reduction from BAU (BAU = 1603 in
2030) by 2030 (unconditional + conditional)
Peru
20% reduction from BAU by 2030
Not to exceed 208.8 in 2030 (unconditional);
(unconditional);
Not to exceed 179 in 2030 (unconditional +
30% reduction from BAU by 2030
conditional)
(unconditional + conditional)
Saudi Arabia
INDC did not include quantified GHG
Reduce and avoid GHG emissions by 278
reduction targets.
annually by 2030
South Africa
398-614 in 2025-2030
398-510 by 2025, and 350-420 by 2030
South Korea
37% reduction from BAU (BAU = 850.6 in
40% reduction from 2018 emission levels
2030) by 2030
(727.6) by 2030
Tanzania
10%-20% reduction from BAU (BAU =138-
30%-35% reduction from BAU by 2030,
153 in 2030) by 2030
whereby about 138-153 MtCO2e gross
emissions is expected to be reduced
Ukraine
Not to exceed 60% of 1990 levels (883) by
65% reduction from 1990 levels (883) by
2030
2030;
“Carbon neutrality” by 2060
United
At least a 40% reduction from 1990 levels by
At least 68% reduction compared to reference
Kingdom
2030 (per EU First NDC)
years by 2030
United States
26%-28% below 2005 levels by 2025
50%-52% reduction below 2005 levels by 2030
Uzbekistan
10% reduction of specific emissions of GHG
35% reduction of specific GHG emissions per
per unit GDP from 2010 levels by 2030
unit GDP from 2010 levels by 2030
Venezuela
At least 20% reduction relative to baseline
20% reduction compared to BAU by 2030
scenario by 2030 (conditional)
Vietnam
8% reduction from BAU (BAU = 787 in 2030)
9% reduction from BAU (BAU = 928 in 2030)
by 2030 (unconditional);
by 2030 (unconditional);
25% reduction from BAU (BAU = 787 in
27% reduction from BAU (BAU = 928 in
2030) by 2030 (unconditional + conditional)
2030) by 2030 (unconditional + conditional)
Sources: Compiled by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) using data from UNFCCC, NDCs, at
https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/nationally-determined-contributions-ndcs/nationally-
determined-contributions-ndcs; and World Resources Institute, Climate Watch Data, “NDC Enhancement
Tracker,” 2022, at https://www.climatewatchdata.org/2020-ndc-tracker.
Notes: This table only includes emission reduction targets listed in NDCs and does not include other elements
of NDCs, such as supporting information that may have been updated. Please see individual NDC documents for
a complete description of gases, sectors, and other data and elements associated with each countries’ targets.
a. In some instances, countries have submitted multiple updates to their NDCs. This table compares the initial
NDC to the most recent NDC.
b. European Union (EU) member states included among the countries CRS selected for review for this report
are France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain.

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Figure 1. Selected Countries’ NDC Updates and Percent of Annual Global GHG Emissions in 2019
as of September 30, 2022

Sources: CRS using data from UNFCCC NDCs, at https://unfccc.int/NDCREG; and World Resources Institute, Climate Watch Data, “Historical GHG Emissions,”
at https://www.climatewatchdata.org/ghg-emissions.
Note: G20 member countries are shown with a solid color; countries that are not G20 members are shown with stripes.
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Emission Reduction Targets and 2030 Projected Emissions
As described above, this report summarizes NDCs from selected countries. Table A-1 in the
Appendix provides GHG emissions and NDC data—including quantified targets and projected
emissions for 2030—for all selected countries, where available. The majority of the selected
countries’ NDCs contain quantifiable emission reduction targets, but not all of these provide the
data needed to calculate projected 2030 emissions. Angola, for example, provides a target for
2025 but not for 2030. Bolivia and Egypt provide emission reduction targets for specific sectors
only. Myanmar and Algeria provide a percentage of emission reduction but no reference scenario.
India and Malaysia provide targets to reduce emissions intensity and carbon intensity,
respectively. In addition, China’s updated NDC states that the country pledges to peak emissions
before 2030 (versus peak emissions around 2030 from its first NDC), among other sector- and
gas-specific pledges that do not allow for calculating a projected 2030 emissions target.
Countries that provide quantifiable 2030 targets do so in a number of different ways. Some
countries (e.g., Democratic Republic of Congo and Japan) provide a single target; others (e.g.,
Indonesia, Nigeria, and Mexico) list targets conditional upon receiving foreign financial
assistance in addition to not conditional targets; the EU and its member states present a “not to
exceed” target; and the United States and Canada, for example, present a range of emissions
reductions for 2030. Additional data presented in Table A-1 include 2019 emissions, emissions
per capita, emissions per gross domestic product (GDP), and emissions reductions targets
included in each country’s NDC, if available.
G20 Countries
G20 countries are responsible for the majority of annual GHG emissions globally,29 and many
stakeholders are invested in the emission reduction commitments of G20 members.30 As of
September 30, 2022, 18 members of the G20 have submitted new or updated NDCs all of which
include plans for greater emissions reductions beyond their initial NDC (including the EU, Italy,
Germany, and France).
Figure 2 shows the percentage of global GHG emissions each G20 member was responsible for
in 1990, 2005, and 2019 and each member’s 2030 NDC target, where available. China, India,
Russia, and Saudi Arabia’s 2030 projections are not quantifiable with the information available in
each country’s NDC.

29 G20 countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, India, Indonesia, Italy,
Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the
European Union. Spain is invited as a permanent guest. See G20, About the G20, https://www.g20.org/about-the-g20/
#participants.
30 For additional analyses on G20 countries’ NDCs and other climate-related activities as well as analyses on potential
progress toward meeting the Paris Agreement’s goals, see Synthesis Report, 2022; World Resources Institute, Closing
the Gap: The Impact of G20 Climate Commitments on Limiting Global Temperature Rise to 1.5oC, September 16,
2021, at https://www.wri.org/research/closing-the-gap-g20-climate-commitments-limiting-global-temperature-rise; and
Climate Action Tracker, at https://climateactiontracker.org/.
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Figure 2. G20 Countries: Historical GHG Emissions and 2030 Emissions Projections
as of September 30, 2022

Sources: CRS using data from UNFCCC, NDCs, at https://unfccc.int/NDCREG; and World Resources Institute, Climate Watch Data, “Historical GHG Emissions,”
at https://www.climatewatchdata.org/ghg-emissions. China’s NDC does not provide a quantifiable 2030 target. Estimates for the EU-27 Member States (France, Germany,
Italy, and Spain) are not available as of September 30, 2022. The EU’s Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR), which creates binding minimum targets for emissions reductions by
Member States, has not yet been aligned with the 55% target level. See, Technical Background Document Accompanying the report, Trends and Projections in Europe 2021,
at https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/trends-and-projections-in-europe-2021/technical-background-document/view.
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Net-Zero Legislation
In addition to working toward meeting 2030 emission reduction targets identified in their NDCs,
some countries are seeking to achieve net-zero emissions within the next several decades, in
conformance with the Article 4 provision to “achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions
by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century.” Net-
zero emissions refers to a situation where any continued human-caused GHG emissions are
balanced by any removal of GHG from the atmosphere, including carbon storage in forests and
other ecosystems as well as technological removal and storage.31 Multiple terms can refer to net-
zero emissions, including climate neutrality or carbon neutrality, depending on whether the scope
is all GHG or just CO2. Carbon neutrality refers specifically to net-zero carbon emissions
whereas other terms generally include all greenhouse gases. Although they have distinct
meanings, some stakeholders or observers at times use the terms interchangeably or with
ambiguity.32
The PA asks countries to commit to increasingly ambitious GHG mitigation efforts and
encourages countries to submit long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies
(LT-LEDS). Article 4 of the PA states, “All Parties should strive to formulate and communicate
long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies, mindful of Article 2 taking into
account their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of
different national circumstances.”33
Many countries have submitted LT-LEDS,34 but these strategies do not necessarily translate into
clear pathways or concrete domestic efforts to reach net-zero emissions. Some countries,
however, have introduced or enacted legislation aimed at reducing domestic emissions to net
zero. Other countries may refer to net-zero in policy documents without having enacted
legislation. Table 3 provides a list of countries with enacted or proposed domestic net-zero or
climate neutrality legislation, as of October 2022.35 The table does not include countries that have
announced net-zero policies or intentions but not taken action to embody them in law. The table is
not a comprehensive list of enacted legislation.

31 For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11821, Net-Zero Emissions Pledges: Background and Recent
Developments, by Michael I. Westphal.
32 For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11821, Net-Zero Emissions Pledges: Background and Recent
Developments, by Michael I. Westphal.
33 Paris Agreement, Article 4.
34 As of October 18, 2022, 53 countries had submitted long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies
to the UNFCCC, see https://unfccc.int/process/the-paris-agreement/long-term-strategies. As of October 18, 2022, 53
Parties had made submissions.
35 Table 2 only includes legislation that explicitly proposes net-zero emissions. Other climate-related legislation is not
included.
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Figure 3. Countries with Net-Zero Legislation
as of October 2022

Source: CRS using data from Law Library of Congress, Global Legal Research Directorate, Net Zero Emissions Legislation Around the World: 2022 Update, at
https://www.loc.gov/item/2022666110/.
Notes: Multiple terms can refer to net-zero emissions, including climate neutrality or carbon neutrality, depending on whether the scope is all GHG or just CO2. The
color-based distinctions in this figure reflect the language in each country’s net-zero legislation. Gabon’s 2021 law allows the country to trade carbon credits and retain
its status as a “carbon positive” country through 2050. EU member states are shaded on the map only if they have domestic net-zero legislation in addition to the EU-
wide law included.
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Observations of Net-Zero Legislation
Table 3 is derived from the 2022 report published by the Global Legal Research Directorate at
the Law Library of Congress, Net Zero Emissions Legislation Around the World: 2022 Update.36
The Law Library identified 57 jurisdictions with enacted or proposed net-zero legislation. Of
these 57, the EU, 11 of its member states, and 20 additional countries have enacted net-zero
legislation. Three countries have proposed net-zero legislation. The remaining jurisdictions are
sub-national. Laws have been enacted and proposed at the state and regional level in a number of
countries and these are outside of the scope of this report. The Law Library of Congress report
does not include analysis of proposed net-zero emission legislation in the United States. Several
bills proposing net-zero emissions goals for the United States have been introduced in recent
Congresses. Because analysis of U.S. net-zero legislative proposals is beyond the scope of this
CRS report, Table 3 does not include the United States.
The EU’s European Climate Law, which establishes the framework for achieving climate
neutrality by 2050, applies to all 27 of its member states. Eleven EU member states (Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Spain, and Sweden)
have enacted net-zero legislation in addition to the EU law. Two member states—Germany and
Sweden—have set 2045 target dates, versus the EU’s 2050 target date. Nine of the G20 members
(Australia, Canada, the EU, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and the UK) have
enacted net-zero legislation.
Most jurisdictions with enacted legislation have set a date of net-zero emissions, carbon
neutrality, or climate neutrality by 2050. The most ambitious deadline is set by Iceland, which has
enacted legislation requiring carbon neutrality by 2040. Four countries (Ecuador, Slovenia, Malta,
and Finland) do not specify dates, according to the Law Library of Congress report.37
Table 3. Net-Zero Emissions Legislation for Selected Countries and Regions
(as of October 2022)
Enacted Legislation
Country
(goal and date, if available)
Proposed Legislation
Argentina

Senate Bil 682/21 Amending Law
27.520 (on Minimum Standards for
Global Climate Change Adaptation
and Mitigation), on Carbon Neutrality
by 2050, art. 1
Australia
Climate Change Act 2022 (Cth) s 10(1)(b)

(came into effect Sept. 13, 2022), (net zero by
2050)
Canada
Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability

Act, S.C. 2021, c.22, Royal Assent, June 29,
2031(net zero by 2050)
Chile
Ley 21445 Ley Marco de Cambio Climático,

Diario Oficial June 13, 2022, art. 1, (net zero by
2050)

36 Law Library of Congress, Global Legal Research Directorate, Net Zero Emissions Legislation Around the World:
2022 Update, at https://www.loc.gov/item/2022666110/.
37 Law Library of Congress, Global Legal Research Directorate, Net Zero Emissions Legislation Around the World:
2022 Update, at https://www.loc.gov/item/2022666110/.
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Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Efforts by Selected Countries

Enacted Legislation
Country
(goal and date, if available)
Proposed Legislation
Colombia
Ley 2169, por Medio de la Cual se Impulsa el

Desarrol o Bajo en Carbono del País Mediante el
Establecimiento de Metas y Medidas Mínimas en
Materia de Carbono Neutralidad y Resiliencia
Climática y se Dictan otras Disposiciones, art.
5.2, Diario Oficial Dec. 22, 2021, (carbon
neutrality by 2050)
Denmark
Climate Act (No. 965 of June 26, 2020) art.

1(climate neutrality by 2050)
Ecuador
Acuerdo Ministerial 018-2021 on Ecuador

Carbon Neutral Program, Ministerio del
Ambiente y Agua, Registro Oficial Aug. 18, 2021,
(establishes Zero Carbon Ecuador program that
provides incentives to achieve carbon neutrality)
European Union
Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 (European Climate

(EU)
Law), art. 2, 2021 O.J. (L 243) 1 (climate
neutrality by 2050)
Fiji
Climate Change Act 2021(Act No. 43 of 2021) s

6(5), (net zero by 2050)
Finland
Klimatlag (FFS 609/2015), §6

France
Code de l’énergie, art. L100-4, as amended by

Loi n° 2019-1147 du 8 novembre 2019 relative à
l'énergie et au climat, art. 1, Nov. 8, 2019
(net zero by 2050)
Gabon
Ordonnance N° 019/2021 du 13 septembre 021

relative aux changements climatiques, Sept. 13,
2021, (Gabon’s status as carbon positive country
wil be maintained through 2050)
Germany
Bundes-Klimaschutzgesetz [KSG], Dec. 12, 2019,
Bundesgesetzblatt [BGBl.] I at 2513, as amended,
art. 3, para. 2 (climate neutrality by 2045)
Gibraltar
Climate Change Act 2019, No. 29/2019, ss 8, 25,
(100% lower net emissions by 2045 from 1990
or 1995 baselines)
Greece
National Climate Law, Law 4936/2022, E.K.E.D.

2022, A:105, (climate neutrality by 2050)
Hungary
Law on Climate Policy: On the Declaration of a

Climate Emergency, on Climate Protection,
(T/7021), adopted on May 14, 2020, art. 3, §4
(climate neutrality by 2050)
Iceland
Climate Act (Lög um loftslagsmál, 2012 nr. 70

29. Júní, (Legally binding emissions reductions
for 2030; specifies that the government can issue
further legally binding targets. Current policy is
carbon neutrality by 2040.)
Ireland
Climate Action and Low Carbon Development

Act 2015, No. 46/2015, s 3(1), as amended by
the Climate Action and Low Carbon
Development (Amendment) Act 2021, No.
32/2021 (climate neutrality by 2050)
Isle of Man
Climate Change Act 2021, AT 20/2021, s 9(1),

(net zero emissions by 2050)
Israel

Climate Law Bil 5782-2022
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Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Efforts by Selected Countries

Enacted Legislation
Country
(goal and date, if available)
Proposed Legislation
(Government Bil No. 1551,
p. 1042, S48B-M76S (net zero by
2050)
Japan
Amendment (Act No. 54 of 2021) of Act on

Promotion of Global Warming
Countermeasures, Act No. 117 of 1998, art. 2-2
(net zero by 2050)
Liechtenstein
Emissionshandelsgesetz [EHG], Sept. 19, 2012,

Landesgesetzblatt-Nummer [LGBl.-Nr.] 012.346,
as amended, art. 4, para. 4, (climate neutrality by
2050)
Luxembourg
Loi du 15 décembre 2020 relative au climat et

modifiant la loi modifiée du 31 mai 1999 portant
institution d’un fonds pour la protection de
l’environnement, art. 4, Dec. 15, 2020 (net zero
by 2050)
Maldives
Climate Emergency Act, Law No. 9/2021 (net

zero by 2030)
Malta
Climate Action Act, cap. 543

New Zealand
Climate Change Response Act 2002 s 5Q,

inserted by Climate Change Response (Zero
Carbon) Amendment Act 2019 s 8 (net zero by
2050; except biogenic methane)
Norway
Lov om klimamål (klimaloven) (LOV-2017-06-

16-60) §4 (reduce emissions by 90%-95%
compared with 1990 by 2050)
Slovenia
Resolution on Slovenia’s Long-Term Climate

Strategy Until 2050, No. 801-08/21-5/, adopted
by National Assembly on July 13, 2021
South Korea
Framework Act on Carbon Neutral and Green

Growth to Respond to Climate Crisis, Act No.
18469, Sept. 24, 2021, art. 7(1) (carbon
neutrality by 2050)
Spain
Ley 7/2021, de 20 de mayo, de cambio climático

y transición energética, art. 3-2, Boletin Oficial
del Estado, May 21, 2021(climate neutrality by
2050)
Sweden
Klimatlag (SFS 2017:720), §3 (Does not set

specific timelines for emissions reductions, but
government must review and set targets every
four years. Official policy as of March 2021 is
net-zero emissions by 2045; 85% reduction
compared with 1990.)
Switzerland
Bundesgesetz über die Ziele im Klimaschutz, die

Innovation und die Stärkung der
Energiesicherheit [KlG], Sept. 30, 2022,
Bundesblatt [BBl.] 2022, 2403, art. 3, para. 2,
(climate neutrality by 2050)
Taiwan

On April 21, 2022, the Executive
Yuan passed the draft revision of the
Greenhouse Gas Reduction and
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Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Efforts by Selected Countries

Enacted Legislation
Country
(goal and date, if available)
Proposed Legislation
Management Act. The draft revision
was reviewed by the Legislative Yuan
committees in May 2022. The revision
wil rename the act to “Climate
Change Response Act” and
incorporate the goal of net-zero
carbon emissions by 2050. (Change
from Greenhouse Gas Reduction and
Management Act to Climate Change
Response Act Approved,
Environmental Protection
Administration (July 19, 2022)
Ukraine
Law of Ukraine on the Principles of Monitoring,

Reporting, and Verification of Greenhouse Gas
Emissions, No. 377-IX, adopted Dec. 12, 2019,
in force since Jan. 1, 2021, (ВВР), 2020, No. 22,
p. 150, pmbl. (harmonizes Ukrainian legislation
with standards of EU law [an obligation for
Ukraine under the EU-Ukraine Association
Agreement] and implements the provisions of
Directives No. 2003/87/ЕС and No. 004/101/ЕС)
United Kingdom of
United Kingdom:

Great Britain and
Climate Change Act 2008, c.27, s
Northern Ireland
1(1),https://perma.cc/2HJ4-KNRJ, as amended by
theClimate Change Act 2008(2050 Target
Amendment)Order 2019, SI 2019/1056, (net
zero by 2050)
Northern Ireland:
Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, c.
31, (Northern Ireland to have 100% lower
emissions by 2050 from 1990 or 1995 baselines)
Scotland:
Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, asp 12,
https://perma.cc/748L-CXP8, as amended by
Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets)
(Scotland) Act 2019, asp 15, (Scotland to achieve
net zero by 2045)
Source: Law Library of Congress, Global Legal Research Directorate, Net Zero Emissions Legislation Around the
World: 2022 Update, at https://www.loc.gov/item/2022666110/.
Notes: This table includes all countries listed in the Law Library of Congress report and is not limited to the set
of selected countries as described earlier in this report. EU member countries are listed only in their own row if
they have domestic net-zero legislation in addition to the EU-wide law included. Links to legislation (including
links to English translations) available in the referenced Law Library of Congress report.
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Appendix. Table of GHG Emissions and NDC Data
for Selected Countries
Table A-1 provides GHG emissions data and NDC information for the selected countries
discussed in this report. The emissions data, including net GHG emissions, emissions per capita,
and emissions per GDP are the most recent year available (2019) from Climate Watch Data.38
NDC targets are as reported in Parties’ NDCs. The Congressional Research Service calculated
2030 emissions targets using data available via Climate Watch Data and stated NDC targets (e.g.,
a percentage reduction from a base year), unless otherwise noted. This table is not comprehensive
of all Parties’ NDC targets, emissions, and projections.

38 Climate Watch Data integrates emissions inventories from the UNFCCC and other sources, then it provides access to
the most complete annual emissions data across all countries. Article 12 of the UNFCCC requires that all Parties to
Annex I countries submit annual emissions inventories (the most recent of which is for emissions in 2019). Non-Annex
I countries submit emissions inventories less frequently. CRS relies on countries’ own emissions inventory data, as
available via Climate Watch Data, wherever possible. In instances where countries have not provided 2018 emissions
data, CRS relies on data from CAIT, as available via Climate Watch Data. (See Climate Watch, “About,” at
https://www.climatewatchdata.org/about/faq/ghg).
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Table A-1. GHG Emissions Data and NDC Information for Selected Countries
Emissions data, including 2019 emissions, NDC targets and references, and 2030 projections are carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) and are shown as million
metric tons (Mt) CO2e, unless otherwise noted, and emissions per capita and per million $ GDP are shown as metric tons (t).
Change in
Change in
GHG
GHG
Projected 2030
2019 Net
Net GHG
Net GHG
Emissions/
Emissions/
GHG Emissions
Country
GHG
Emissions
Emissions
Capita in
Million GDP
Per NDC
(date)
Emissions
1990-2019
2005-2019
2019
in 2019
NDC Targetsa
Targetsb
Algeriac (First
282
+161
+97
6.56
1,643 7% reduction from BAU ( BAU
not available
NDC, 2016)
not available) by 2030
(unconditional);
Up to 22 % reduction from
BAU (BAU not available) by
2030 (unconditional +
conditional)
Angolac
128
+62
+13
4.03t
1,851t 15% reduction from BAU (BAU
not available
(First NDC,
= 108 in 2025) by 2025
updated 2021)
(unconditional);
25% reduction from BAU (BAU
= 108 in 2025) by 2025
(unconditional + conditional)
Argentinac
399
+106
-19
8.88t
881t Shall not exceed 359 in 2030
No more than 359
(Second NDC,
(from NDC)
updated 2021)
Australia
519
-97
-93
20.46t
373t 43% below 2005 levels by 2030
349
(First NDC,
updated 2022)
Bangladeshc
238
+121
+82
1.46t
677t 6.73% reduction from BAU
320-381
(First NDC,
(BAU = 409 in 2030) by 2030
updated 2021)
(unconditional);
21.85% reduction from BAU
(BAU = 409 in 2030) by 2030
(unconditional + conditional)
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Change in
Change in
GHG
GHG
Projected 2030
2019 Net
Net GHG
Net GHG
Emissions/
Emissions/
GHG Emissions
Country
GHG
Emissions
Emissions
Capita in
Million GDP
Per NDC
(date)
Emissions
1990-2019
2005-2019
2019
in 2019
NDC Targetsa
Targetsb
Boliviac (First
139
+26
+36
12.05t
3392t Sector-specific targets for
not available
NDC, updated
energy and forests.
2022)
Brazilc
1,450
-190
-560
6.88t
775t Reduce greenhouse gas
1,001
(First NDC,
emissions by 37% below 2005
updated 2022)
levels in 2025;
Reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 50% below 2005
levels in 2030
Cameroonc
125
+51
-2
4.82t
3,146t 12% reduction by 2030 from
113
(First NDC,
2010 levels (unconditional)
(unconditional);
updated 2021)
35% reduction by 2030 from
83 (unconditional
2010 levels (unconditional +
+ conditional)
conditional)
Canada
740
+195
-7
19.68t
425t 40%-45% reduction from 2005
411-448
(First NDC,
levels by 2030
updated 2021)
Chilec
55
+27
+16
2.92t
199t Peak emissions by 2025;
No more than 95
(First NDC,
Maximum annual emissions up
(from NDC)
updated 2020)
to 95 by 2030;
Accumulated emissions
between 2020 and 2030 shall
not exceed 1,100
Chinac
12,060
+9,170
+5,130
8.6t
844t Peak CO2 emissions before
not available
(First NDC,
2030;
updated 2021)
Achieve carbon neutrality
before 2060;
Lower CO2 emissions per unit
of GDP by over 65% from the
2005 level;
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Change in
Change in
GHG
GHG
Projected 2030
2019 Net
Net GHG
Net GHG
Emissions/
Emissions/
GHG Emissions
Country
GHG
Emissions
Emissions
Capita in
Million GDP
Per NDC
(date)
Emissions
1990-2019
2005-2019
2019
in 2019
NDC Targetsa
Targetsb
Increase share of non-fossil fuels
in primary energy consumption
to around 25%;
Increase the forest stock
volume by 6 bil ion cubic meters
from the 2005 level;
Bring total installed capacity of
wind and solar power to over
1.2 bil ion kilowatts by 2030
Colombiac
271
+54
+45
5.37t
837t 2% reduction from BAU by
169.44
(First NDC,
2030 (unconditional);
(from NDC)
updated 2020)
Democratic
680
+249
+239
7.83t
13,125kt 21% reduction from BAU by
1,303
Republic of the
2030 (unconditional +
(unconditional);
Congoc
conditional)
1,050
(First NDC,
(unconditional +
updated 2021)
conditional)
Egyptc
352
+218
+108
3.51t
1,161t Reduction of electricity
not available
(First NDC,
emissions by 33%; oil and gas
updated 2022)
emissions by 65%; and transport
emissions by 7% by 2030
relative to BAU
Ethiopiac
183
+88
+61
1.64t
1,912t 14% reduction from BAU (BAU
347
(First NDC,
= 403.5 in 2030) by 2030
(unconditional);
updated 2021)
(unconditional);
126 (conditional +
68.8% reduction from BAU
unconditional)
(BAU = 403.5 in 2030) by 2030
(unconditional + conditional)
European
3,370
-1,270
-860
7.53t
215t At least a 55% reduction from
No more than
Union-27d
1990 levels by 2030
2,088
CRS-26

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Change in
Change in
GHG
GHG
Projected 2030
2019 Net
Net GHG
Net GHG
Emissions/
Emissions/
GHG Emissions
Country
GHG
Emissions
Emissions
Capita in
Million GDP
Per NDC
(date)
Emissions
1990-2019
2005-2019
2019
in 2019
NDC Targetsa
Targetsb
(First NDC,
updated 2020)
Franceb
413
-113
-99
6.14t
151t EU target (at least a 55%
not available
(EU First NDC,
reduction from 1990 levels by
updated 2020)
2030)
Germanyb
793
-477
-199
9.55t
204t EU target (at least a 55%
not available
(EU First NDC,
reduction from 1990 levels by
updated 2020)
2030)
Ghanac (First
13
-9
-53
.42t
187t Implement 34 mitigation
not available
NDC, updated
measures to achieve absolute
2021)
emission reductions of 64 by
2030. Nine unconditional
measures are expected to lead
to a 24.6 reduction. An
additional 25 conditional
measures can be implemented
to further achieve an
additional 39.4 reduction.
Indiac
3,360
+2,360
+1,410
2.46t
1,188t 45% reduction in emissions
not available
(First NDC,
intensity by 2030 compared to
updated 2022)
2005 levels
Indonesiac
1,960
+730
+710
7.24t
1,751t 31.89% reduction from BAU
1954
(First NDC,
(BAU = 2869 in 2030) by 2030
(unconditional);
updated 2022)
(unconditional);
1,630 (conditional
43.20% reduction from BAU
+ unconditional)
(BAU = 2869 in 2030) by 2030
(unconditional + conditional)
Iranc
894
+590
+269
10.78t
3,068t No NDC communicated to
not available
UNFCCC
CRS-27

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Change in
Change in
GHG
GHG
Projected 2030
2019 Net
Net GHG
Net GHG
Emissions/
Emissions/
GHG Emissions
Country
GHG
Emissions
Emissions
Capita in
Million GDP
Per NDC
(date)
Emissions
1990-2019
2005-2019
2019
in 2019
NDC Targetsa
Targetsb
Iraqc (First
321
+201
+176
8.17t
1,375t not available
not available
NDC, 2021)
Italyb
377
-321
-177
6.31t
187t EU target (at least a 55%
not available
(EU First NDC,
reduction from 1990 levels by
updated
2030)
12/18/2020)
Japan
1,160
-40
-130
9.16t
226t 46% reduction from FY2013
724
(First NDC,
levels by FY2030; Net zero by
updated 2021)
2050
Kazakhstan
364
-9
+80
19.69t
2,006t 15% reduction from 1990 levels
290-328
(First NDC,
by 2030 (unconditional);
2016)
25% reduction from 1990 levels
by 2030 (unconditional +
conditional)
Kenyac (First
73
+43
+19
1.4t
731t 32% reduction from BAU (BAU
97
NDC, updated
= 143) by 2030
2020)
Malaysiac (First
396
+199
+68
12.4t
1,084t 45% reduction of economy-wide
not available
NDC, updated
carbon intensity (against GDP)
2021)
from 2005 level by 2030
Mexicoc
671
+245
+138
5.26t
528t 22% of GHG emissions and 51%
773
(First NDC,
reduction of black carbon
(unconditional);
updated 2020)
emissions from BAU (BAU =
634 (conditional +
991 in 2030) by 2030
unconditional)
(unconditional);
36% reduction of GHG from
BAU (BAU = 991 in 2030) by
2030 including a 70% reduction
of black carbon by 2030
(unconditional + conditional)
CRS-28

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Change in
Change in
GHG
GHG
Projected 2030
2019 Net
Net GHG
Net GHG
Emissions/
Emissions/
GHG Emissions
Country
GHG
Emissions
Emissions
Capita in
Million GDP
Per NDC
(date)
Emissions
1990-2019
2005-2019
2019
in 2019
NDC Targetsa
Targetsb
Moroccoc
91
+59
+34
2.5t
760t 18.3% reduction compared to
78-116 (from
(First NDC,
BAU (BAU = 142 in 2030) by
NDC)
updated 2021)
2030 (unconditional);
45.5% reduction compared to
BAU (BAU = 142 in 2030) by
2030 (unconditional +
conditional)
Myanmarc
243
+35
+26
4.5
3,537t 244.5 reduction by 2030
not available
(First NDC,
(unconditional);
updated 2021)
414.8 reduction by 2030
(unconditional + conditional)
Nigeriac
354
+86
+56
1.76t
791t 20% reduction from BAU (453)
362
(First NDC,
by 2030 (unconditional);
(unconditional);
updated 2021)
47% reduction from BAU
240 (conditional +
(453Mt) by 2030 (unconditional
unconditional)
+ conditional)
Pakistanc
439
+272
+154
2.03t
1,370t 15% reduction from BAU (BAU
1363
(First NDC,
= 1603 in 2030) by 2030
(unconditional);
updated 2021)
(unconditional);
802 (unconditional
50% reduction from BAU (BAU
+ conditional)
= 1603 in 2030) by 2030
(unconditional + conditional)
Peruc
191
+87
+58
5.86t
835t Not to exceed 208.8 in 2030
No more than
(First NDC,
(unconditional);
208.8
updated 2020)
Not to exceed 179 in 2030
(unconditional)
(conditional)
; no more than
179
(conditional)
(from NDC)
CRS-29

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Change in
Change in
GHG
GHG
Projected 2030
2019 Net
Net GHG
Net GHG
Emissions/
Emissions/
GHG Emissions
Country
GHG
Emissions
Emissions
Capita in
Million GDP
Per NDC
(date)
Emissions
1990-2019
2005-2019
2019
in 2019
NDC Targetsa
Targetsb
Philippinesc
237
+139
+87
2.2t
628t 2.71% reduction from BAU (3.3
not available
(First NDC,
Gt cumulative emissions) for
updated 2021)
the period 2020-2030
(unconditional)
75% reduction from BAU (3.3
Gt cumulative emissions) for
the period 2020-2030
(unconditional + conditional)
Polandb
376
-70
+21
9.91t
641t EU target (at least a 55%
not available
(EU First NDC,
reduction from 1990 levels by
updated 2020)
2030)
Russia
1,580
-1510
+150
10.97t
936t 70% reduction relative to 1990
927
(First NDC,
levels by 2030
2020)
Saudi Arabiac
723
+482
+294
21.1t
900t Reduce and avoid GHG
not available
(First NDC,
emissions by 278 annually by
updated 2021)
2030
South Africac
562
+224
+80
9.6t
1,449t 398-510 by 2025,
350-420
(First NDC,
implementation period of 2021-
(from NDC)
updated 2021)
2025;
350-420 by 2030,
implementation period 2026-
2030
South Koreac
653
+414
+164
12.61t
395t 40% reduction from 2018
437
(First NDC,
emission levels (727.6) by 2030
updated 2021)
Spainb
277
+23
-127
5.88t
199t EU target (at least a 55%
not available
(EU First NDC,
reduction from 1990 levels by
updated 2020)
2030)
CRS-30

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Change in
Change in
GHG
GHG
Projected 2030
2019 Net
Net GHG
Net GHG
Emissions/
Emissions/
GHG Emissions
Country
GHG
Emissions
Emissions
Capita in
Million GDP
Per NDC
(date)
Emissions
1990-2019
2005-2019
2019
in 2019
NDC Targetsa
Targetsb
Sudanc (First
127
+56
+16
2.97
3,929 Sector-specific targets for
not available
NDC, updated
energy, forests, and waste.
2021)
Tanzaniac
155
+57
+32
2.67t
2,533t 30%-35% reduction from BAU
not available
(First NDC,
by 2030, whereby about 138-
updated 2021)
153 gross emissions is expected
to be reduced
Thailandc (First
437
+264
+155
6.28t
804t 20% reduction from BAU (BAU
416-444
NDC, updated
= 555) by 2030 (unconditional);
2020)
Up to 25% reduction from BAU
(BAU = 555) by 2030
(unconditional + conditional)
Turkey (First
422
+258
+159
5.06t
555t Up to 21% reduction from BAU
929 (from NDC)
NDC, 2021)
(BAU = 1,175 in 2030) by 2030
Ukraine
332
-552
-76
7.48t
2,159t 65% reduction from 1990 levels
309
(First NDC,
(883) by 2030;
updated 2021)
“Carbon neutrality” by 2060
United Kingdom
459
-354
-239
6.87t
159t At least 68% reduction from
No more than 260
(First NDC,
1990 levels by 2030
updated 2022)
United States
5,770
+230
-860
17.57t
270t 50%-52% reduction from 2005
2,984-3,315
(First NDC
emissions levels by 2030
after rejoining
the Paris
Agreement,
2021)
Uzbekistanc
185
+21
+24
5.52t
3,095t 35% reduction of specific GHG
not available
(First NDC,
emissions per unit GDP from
updated 2021)
2010 levels by 2030
CRS-31

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Change in
Change in
GHG
GHG
Projected 2030
2019 Net
Net GHG
Net GHG
Emissions/
Emissions/
GHG Emissions
Country
GHG
Emissions
Emissions
Capita in
Million GDP
Per NDC
(date)
Emissions
1990-2019
2005-2019
2019
in 2019
NDC Targetsa
Targetsb
Venezuelac
300
-97
-143
10.51t
not available 20% reduction compared to
not available
(First NDC,
BAU by 2030
updated 2021)
Vietnamc
438
+436
+230
4.54t
1,326t 9% reduction from BAU (BAU
677-844
(First NDC,
= 928 in 2030) by 2030
updated 2020)
(unconditional);
27% reduction from BAU (BAU
= 928 in 2030) by 2030
(unconditional + conditional)
Sources: World Resources Institute, Climate Watch Data “Country Profiles,” at https://www.climatewatchdata.org/countries; and UNFCCC NDC Registry, at
https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/NDCStaging/Pages/All.aspx.
Notes: GHG emissions data from 2019, 2005, and 1990 and GHG emissions per capita and per GDP data are from countries’ reported submissions to the UNFCCC as
available from Climate Watch Data, except where noted (see table note c). CO2e is the tons of CO2 that would have the equivalent effect of the GHG on forcing global
average temperature (positive or negative) as one ton of the GHG in question. Emissions data include those emissions from land use, land use change, and forestry
(LULUCF). Also, t = metric tons; and Gt (gigatons) = 1 bil ion metric tons. BAU = “business-as-usual.”
a. NDC targets extracted from most recently submitted NDCs available in the UNFCCC NDC Registry.
b. Year 2030 emissions targets calculated using NDC 2030 target reductions and base year emissions as reported by each country to the UNFCCC, where available.
Estimates for the EU-27 Member States (France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain) are not available as of September 30, 2022. The EU’s Effort Sharing Regulation
(ESR), which creates binding minimum targets for emissions reductions by Member States, has not yet been aligned with the 55% target level. See, Technical
Background Document Accompanying the report, Trends and Projections in Europe 2021, at https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/trends-and-projections-in-europe-
2021/technical-background-document/view.
c. Because certain countries submitted GHG emissions data to the UNFCCC for intermittent years only, some emissions data are from CAIT (formerly known as the
Climate Analysis Indicators Tool), as available from Climate Watch Data. CAIT compiles emissions data from nongovernmental sources to supplement countries’
intermittent emissions reporting (see https://cait.wri.org/faq.html).
d. EU-27 emissions data for all years exclude emissions from the UK.

CRS-32

Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Efforts by Selected Countries

Author Information

Kezee Procita

Head Research and Library Services Section

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Congressional Research Service
R46945 · VERSION 5 · UPDATED
33