KATHMANDU: Nepal has submitted its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, outlining climate targets and actions through 2035 while calling for international climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.

The document, submitted in accordance with Articles 4.2 and 4.11 of the Paris Agreement, comes in the wake of the first Global Stocktake and is informed by Nepal's Long-term Strategy for Net-zero Emissions (2021), which aims for carbon neutrality by 2045.

Though Nepal contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it faces disproportionately high climate risks due to its fragile geography and socio-economic conditions, the NDC noted. 

NDC 3.0 expands Nepal’s mitigation and adaptation ambitions and aligns with its long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.

According tot he NDC 3.0, the country aims to reduce net GHG emissions by 17.12% by 2030 and 26.79% by 2035, compared to business-as-usual projections. Around 96% of these reductions depend on international financial support. The total cost is estimated at USD 73.74 billion, of which Nepal will contribute 14.68%.

The NDC also highlights the rising loss and damage from extreme climate events. Notable impacts include the September 2024 floods, which killed 249 people and displaced 11,000 families, and glacier lake outburst floods in August that swept away villages in eastern Nepal. Nepal stresses the need for loss and damage financing, referencing growing risks from permafrost thaw, glacial retreat, and erratic rainfall.

Prepared through a nationwide consultative process, NDC 3.0 incorporates principles of just transition, gender equality, disability, and social inclusion. Implementation is expected to deliver multiple co-benefits, clean air, energy security, biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and improved livelihoods, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Nepal reaffirmed its commitment to climate action but emphasized that meeting its targets depends on timely and adequate global support, especially from dedicated climate funds such as the Green Climate Fund and the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.