Guiding the Way to Net Zero: How NDC ASPECTS is Shaping a Sustainable Future

Since May 2021, the Horizon 2020-funded NDC ASPECTS project has supported Europe and 19 other countries worldwide to meet ambitious climate goals. This 40-month project has provided cutting-edge insights and robust scientific evidence to support the global push towards a sustainable, net-zero future. 

Under the Paris Agreement, the Parties have committed to outlining and communicating their post-2020 climate actions to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. These commitments, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), include the necessary policies and measures set by each country for achieving the global targets set out in the Paris Agreement, as part of the transition to net-zero. 

As the project nears its conclusion in September 2024, it leaves behind a large contribution of knowledge and guidance to addressing climate action challenges in Europe and globally. NDC ASPECTS has developed detailed, sector-specific pathways, focusing on four key areas: transport and mobility, emission-intensive industries, buildings, and agriculture/forestry. These pathways offer a clear roadmap for countries to update their NDCs and align them with long-term climate goals.

Key part of the methodology put in place by NDC ASPECTS has been the "Sectoral Conversations", collaborative discussions with experts and stakeholders. These conversations have been pivotal in shaping strategies that are not only evidence-based but also inclusive, reflecting the diverse needs and perspectives of different regions and industries.

To mark the project’s achievements, a final conference was held last July in cooperation with another Horizon 2020 project, 4i-TRACTION. The two-day event: “Managing the transition to net zero - EU climate policy in a global context” brought together policymakers and experts.  They discussed how EU climate policies can be harmonised with global efforts, opening new paths for action both within Europe and worldwide. The insights from this conference are set to influence the EU’s Fit for 55 initiative and the climate strategies of major global emitters.

NDC ASPECTS’ findings will support the collective contribution to the next revision of the NDCs. This work is key to ensuring coordinated global climate action, shaping national and international policies, and ensuring that the world remains on track to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals. The importance of these efforts cannot be overstated - they are the building blocks of the global response to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts.

For more information, please see the EU factsheet.