The NDC Partnership is a network of over 120 countries, facilitated by UNFCCC, that is dedicated to helping each other strengthen their Paris Agreement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Pledges. The Partnership has just released Version 3.0 of the NDC Navigator, an interactive tool that supports the development of updated country NDCs to be submitted in 2025. Below are Climate Scorecard Country Managers’ advice to their countries of what needs to be done to strengthen their NDCs based on the framework of the NDC Partnership Navigator. 

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Dear Prof. Dott. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin,

I am the Climate Scorecard Project Country Manager for Italy. Climate Scorecard is a non-profit organization working to strengthen climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in leading greenhouse gas-emitting countries.

I am contacting you to share suggestions from the NDC Partnership regarding strengthening your Paris Agreement Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).  The NDC Partnership brings together more than 200 members, including more than 120 developed and developing countries and more than 80 institutions , to create and deliver on ambitious climate action that helps achieve the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFCCC facilitates it. The Partnership recently issued Navigator Guidelines to countries for strengthening their NDCs that can be accessed by clicking https://ndcnavigator.org/routes/

 

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Italy has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions. While Italy’s NDCs represent a significant stride towards meeting global climate targets, the urgency to align more closely with the Paris Agreement’s goals is evident.

The 2021 NDC Synthesis Report by the UNFCCC highlighted that the combined NDCs of 75 countries would reduce emissions by only 1% by 2030—far short of the 45% needed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

Italy’s NDCs must be strengthened across three key areas to ensure alignment with the Paris Agreement: temperature goals, global adaptation efforts, and supporting a just and equitable transition. The NDC Navigator Guidelines offer useful frameworks for Italy to enhance its commitments. Below, we examine two of Italy’s three routes to bolster its climate action.

Route #1: Aligning Italy’s NDCs with the Paris Agreement Temperature Goal

As of Italy’s most recent NDC submission, the country has committed to reducing GHG emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, in alignment with the European Union’s broader climate goals. However, additional measures are necessary to stay on track for the 1.5°C target.

Recommendations:

1. Strengthening Sectoral Targets: Italy should enhance its commitments in high-emission sectors, such as transportation and energy, and accelerate the decarbonization of its energy sector. In 2020, renewables provided 38.1% of Italy’s electricity, but a more ambitious target will better align with the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement.
2. Increase Energy Efficiency: Italy has improved energy efficiency, but further measures are needed. Implementing more rigorous energy efficiency standards across industries and buildings, combined with incentivizing green technologies such as electric heat pumps and vehicles, will contribute to lowering emissions in line with global targets.
3. Carbon Pricing and Fiscal Reforms: Introducing or strengthening carbon pricing mechanisms will help to reduce emissions further. Italy can incentivize businesses to adopt cleaner technologies by increasing the cost of emitting carbon.

Route #2: Aligning Italy’s NDCs with the Paris Agreement Global Goal on Adaptation

With its long coastlines and agricultural dependence, Italy faces numerous climate-related risks that necessitate an increased focus on adaptation efforts.

Recommendations:

1. Coastal Protection and Flood Management: Italy is particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise and extreme weather events, such as the recent flooding in Venice. Italy’s NDC should prioritize adaptation strategies that protect vulnerable coastal regions through sustainable land use, advanced flood defenses, and nature-based or ecosystem-based adaptation approaches.
2. Agricultural Adaptation: Italy’s agricultural sector is highly sensitive to climate change, with projected temperature increases threatening crop yields, particularly in southern regions. Expanding adaptation strategies, such as climate-resilient farming practices and improved water management, will ensure food security and protect livelihoods. Climate-smart agriculture, which promotes mitigation and adaptation, should be supported through government policies and subsidies.
3. Public Health and Heatwaves: Increasing temperatures are leading to more frequent and intense heat waves in Italy, threatening public health. Adaptation measures in urban areas, such as creating green spaces to cool cities and improving air quality, will help reduce heat-related illnesses. Italy’s NDC should include provisions for public health resilience, focusing on the elderly and vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

Italy is at a critical juncture in its climate policy. To align its NDCs with the Paris Agreement’s temperature goal, Italy must increase its ambitions by targeting key sectors such as energy, transportation, and industry. On adaptation, Italy must enhance its resilience to climate impacts, especially in agriculture, coastal protection, and public health.

By implementing these specific actions, Italy could significantly enhance its NDCs, ensuring they contribute to global climate goals while promoting sustainable development and social equity domestically.  Climate  Scorecard strongly recommends incorporating these recommendations into the upcoming NDC revision.

Please let me know if you agree with these suggestions and need any support in implementing them.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing Italy’s climate leadership.

Best regards,

Sara Biondi

Climate Scorecard Country Manager, Italy

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Learn More References

1. UNFCCC, 2021. Nationally Determined Contributions Synthesis Report.
2. Italian Ministry for Ecological Transition (MiTE), 2022. National Energy and Climate Plan.
3. European Environment Agency, 2021. Italy’s Progress on Climate Change and Renewable Energy.
4. IPCC, 2018. Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C.