Almost ten years ago, 196 countries signed the Paris Agreement. The legally-binding international treaty aims to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C (and preferably 1.5°C) above pre-industrial levels. The world is not on track to meet this objective – countries need to urgently scale up their efforts. And climate transparency plays a key role in this regard.

Climate transparency revolves around the data that countries collect and analyze to plan, implement and report on their climate actions. Transparency mechanisms allow countries to measure and verify the progress made in achieving their climate targets, including progress in cutting greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. This data and information is then used to report to the international community, fostering accountability and trust. Additionally, it guides policymakers to strengthen their climate efforts, equipping them with information for developing evidence-based policies and measures to support the transition to low-carbon economies and societies.

Accelerating transformational change

In 2025, countries are expected to renew and update their commitments to the global fight against climate change by submitting a revised national climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate change – also referred to as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Climate targets on their own are not sufficient to meet global climate objectives. A significant implementation gap exists. The right policies and measures must be in place to drive transformational change of economies and societies, following a low-carbon model.

Targets and measures included in a country's NDCs require the right national policies, measures and actions that can transform different sectors: from energy and industry to agriculture, transport and waste.

Through transparency, countries can use quality data to plan, monitor, evaluate and report on progress, and readjust the course as necessary to achieve an effective and beneficial transformation. At all stages of climate action, transparency provides verified, up-to-date quality data that helps identify the most impactful climate solutions and critical gaps, illuminating the best way forward through data-driven decision-making. 

Sufficient, yet realistic climate targets

There is immense value in using transparency to prepare the new NDCs. Countries should use data and information on their greenhouse gas emissions and removals, the progress made towards realizing their previous climate commitments, and the lessons learned along the way to strengthen new NDC targets and ensure implementation.

In Cuba, for example, the UNOPS-hosted Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) helped to improve data that revealed an underestimation of emission reductions. This has prompted plans to potentially raise NDC ambition, with the knowledge that the higher targets are fully implementable.

NDCs based on data help develop a solid implementation plan, assess impacts, estimate costs, and attract and direct funding. To make the green transition a reality, governments must mobilize massive funds from both the public and private sectors. For investors, a data-based and transparent approach enhances trust and confidence by demonstrating the potential impact of an investment – and helps assess risks so that respective mitigation measures can be taken. This can be a deciding factor in whether to provide funding.

Socio-economic development under a low-carbon model

It is critical to ensure that the green transition is aligned with a country’s growth and development objectives. Transparent data can help countries understand the impact of climate policies on their development objectives – and be aware of the positive and negative impacts on development and economic growth.

For example, Niger's NDCs and national renewable energy policies include measures to expand renewable energy capacity, rural electrification and modern cookstoves. If implemented, these measures could boost socio-economic activities, transform healthcare and education, and help reduce poverty. Through transparency in NDC implementation, Niger can monitor progress toward these development objectives alongside greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Analyzing the Sustainable Development Goals and including just transition considerations in the NDC development process aids in measuring and tracking progress, as well as national and international reporting. 

Climate transparency can build the foundation for activities necessary for a global response to climate change, ensuring that all countries can take sufficiently ambitious climate action that safeguards environmental, social and economic objectives.