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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Ms. Valvanera Ulargy
Oficina Española de Cambio Climático (OECC)
Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico
Plaza San Juan de la Cruz, 10-5ª planta (despacho C-516)

Dear Ms. Ulargy,

I am the Climate Scorecard Project Country Manager for Spain. 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 new NDC Partnership on 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/

I am using insights from the newly released NDC 3.0 Navigator to provide detailed suggestions across the three critical routes for strengthening country NDCs identified by this tool. We hope our vision can be insightful for the OCC team working on this issue.

Route #1: Aligning Spain’s NDC with the Paris Agreement Temperature Goal

To align Spain’s NDC with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C:

1. Enhance Emission Reduction Targets: Spain should consider increasing its current target of a 37,7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 to at least 55%. This aligns with the European Union’s updated climate goals and will require sector-specific enhancements, particularly in transport, contributing 30,7 % of Spain’s emissions. An accelerated phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 and a 50% increase in electric vehicle incentives would support this target.

2. Boost Renewable Energy Share: Spain should aim to increase its renewable energy consumption share to 40% by 2030, up from the current 22%. Reviewing and expanding the government’s Energy Self-Consumption Roadmap are essential steps. This would reduce reliance on nuclear power while supporting the broader EU Green Deal targets.

Route #2: Aligning Spain’s NDC with the Paris Agreement Global Goal on Adaptation

To strengthen adaptation measures:

1. Update Vulnerability Assessments: Spain should conduct a national assessment to update its understanding of climate vulnerabilities, particularly in coastal regions prone to rising sea levels and urban areas facing heat waves.

2. Set Measurable Adaptation Targets: Spain should establish specific goals, such as reducing heatwave-related mortality by 50% by 2030 and increasing the resilience of 20% of agricultural lands to droughts by 2028. These targets should be integrated into local planning, and progress should be monitored annually.

Route #3: Supporting a Just and Equitable Transition in Spain

To ensure that Spain’s NDC supports a just and equitable transition:

1. Address Social Impacts: Spain should introduce a “Transition Fund” to support workers affected by the transition from high-carbon industries, such as coal and automotive manufacturing. This could include retraining programs and subsidies for job creation in renewable energy sectors.

2. Inclusive Decision-Making: Spain should mandate that at least 30% of the NDC revision committee members represent low-income communities and rural populations from the so-called “empty Spain.” This ensures that policies reflect the needs of those most impacted by the transition. Additionally, Spain should launch a national dialogue on climate change and renewable energies with a special focus on the decision to locate renewable energy parks (wind/solar photovoltaic) in agricultural areas far from high-demand points, generating strong opposition from rural inhabitants.

By implementing these specific actions, Spain 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 Spain’s climate leadership.

Best regards,

Juan José de los Santos

Climate Scorecard Country Manager, Spain