21 November 2015: The UNFCCC Secretariat has reported that the Cook Islands, Iran and Qatar have formally submitted their intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs), bringing the total number of Parties that have made their submissions to 171.

Submitted on 20 November 2015, the climate action plan from the Cook Islands notes that the country is on track to meet its 2020 target of 100% electricity sourced from renewable sources, leading to a 38% reduction in emissions from the electricity sector relative to 2006. The INDC presents a conditional target of an additional 43% reduction to be achieved by 2030 through additional grid storage, improved energy efficiency and new technologies, technology transfer, and strengthened capacities for overall sustainability and co-benefits. The country also plans to promote a transition to clean energy transportation through low-carbon transport technologies, conditional on external support. The INDC further includes unconditional and conditional adaptation aspirations, noting plans and strategies already in place, as well as the intent to strengthen resilience in the areas of coastal protection, water security, agriculture, forestry, marine conservation, waste, tourism and land management, with international support.

Iran, submitting its INDC on 21 November 2015, notes that the contribution in its entirety is “subject to the removal of economic, technological and financial restrictions and in particular termination of unjust sanctions imposed on Iran during the past several decades, as well as non-imposition of restrictions or sanctions in the future.” The otherwise unconditional portion of the INDC presents a target of reducing GHG emissions 4% by 2030 compared to a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. With the help of international resources, the INDC sets out a conditional target of an additional 8% reduction (12% in total) by 2030. The Party intends to achieve its reductions through: combined cycle power plants; renewable energies; nuclear power; reduced gas flaring; energy efficiency; low-carbon fuels; economic diversification; national and international market-based mechanisms; forestry; sustainable agriculture; and waste management. Focusing on water resources and food security, Iran notes significant investment is needed for adaptation.

Qatar’s 20 November 2015 submission is presented in the context of its Qatar National Vision 2030 and includes no specific target. The INDC notes the economic diversification activities the country is undertaking with mitigation co-benefits, such as energy efficiency in the energy industry, investment in natural gas and renewables, research and development (R&D) in, inter alia, sustainable energy and adaptation, education in climate change and other areas focused on producing graduates in knowledge-based services, and increasing tourism to further diversify the economy. The contribution also highlights adaptation activities with mitigation co-benefits in the realms of water management, infrastructure and transport, waste management, and awareness.

All Parties to the UNFCCC are expected to submit INDCs in advance of the Paris Climate Change Conference, which will take place from 30 November – 11 December 2015. At the Conference, Parties are anticipated to agree on a global climate change agreement to take effect in 2020. [UNFCCC Press Release, Cook Islands] [Cook Islands’ INDC] [Iran’s INDC] [UNFCCC Press Release, Qatar] [Qatar’s INDC] [Qatar’s INDC – English] [UNFCCC INDC Portal]