Designing and preparing Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)

This guidance document provides examples of good practice and outlines key technical issues for Parties seeking guidance on how to prepare their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), without prejudice to the outcome of the UNFCCC negotiations. It is hoped that it supports Parties in their efforts to respond to existing COP decisions in a timely manner.

As the world marches toward the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP21) in December 2015, governments are determining what effort they will make to reduce emissions and address climate change. Countries are already in the midst of implementing commitments through 2020. Now they are turning their attention to preparing their commitments for the post-2020 period through pledges known as intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs). Many Parties are taking steps to prepare their INDCs. Because Parties are invited to put forward their contributions well before COP21 in Paris, it is important that INDCs are designed through a process that facilitates rapid decision-making and action and does not add unnecessary burdens.