Tracking, Reviewing and Refining Global Climate Commitments to Enhance Transparency and Accountability

»Transparency« in the context of climate change

In the context of climate change, transparency encompasses the reporting and review of climate-related data and information. Transparency arrangements under the UNFCCC ensure regular availability of data on countries’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, policies and measures, progress toward targets, climate impacts and adaptation efforts, support levels and capacity-building needs. Offering clear and robust data on climate action helps to build trust, credibility and accountability among all parties involved.

The Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), which was established under the Paris Agreement, has become the cornerstone for a new era of climate reporting. This framework represents an evolution in how countries report and track their climate action progress within their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Under the ETF, all countries must submit Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), thus replacing previous reporting methods with more demanding requirements.

The BTRs mainly cover GHG inventories, progress on NDCs, adaptation measures, technology and capacity-building needs in addition to the climate finance needed and mobilised. The BTR guidelines (known as Modalities, Procedures and Guidelines or MPGs) set out a uniform approach to reporting, also requiring more frequent periodicity, with the aim of improving the comparability and reliability of climate data. This will, in turn, support global trust and collaboration, as countries can better verify each other’s progress and identify areas needing additional support or stronger policies.

Jordan’s efforts toward ETF

After ratifying the UNFCCC in 1993, Jordan, through its Ministry of Environment (MoEnv), intensified efforts to build national capacity for addressing the adverse impacts of climate change. Jordan prioritised the development of national capabilities for documenting GHG emissions and climate actions. This commitment resulted in the submission of four National Communication Reports (1998, 2009, 2014 and 2023) and two Biennial Update Reports (2017 and 2022). Jordan’s latest climate policy advancements reflect its commitment to addressing both the mitigation and adaptation goals that are critical for a country facing severe water scarcity and high energy demands. The updated NDCs aim to reduce 31 per cent of emissions by   2030 from a business-as-usual baseline, relying on sector-wide reforms to reduce fossil fuel dependency, increase renewable energy and improve water and waste management efficiency. Additionally, in 2013, Jordan successfully developed its first national climate change policy, followed by an updated policy in 2022, setting a vision for a resilient, low-carbon future aligned with global efforts toward carbon neutrality by mid-century.

NDC 3.0: Toward a refined and strengthened commitment to climate action

The Nationally Determined Contributions to be submitted in 2025, dubbed NDCs 3.0, under the ETF framework introduce new mechanisms, such as technical expert reviews and multilateral peer assessments, to ensure that all countries, especially those with limited resources, meet these reporting standards. The new NDC cycle will likely reflect the latest science from IPCC reports and updated pathways to reach net-zero targets.

Several countries are expected to increase their ambition, focusing on building resilience, especially as they recognise the urgent need to adapt to more extreme and unpredictable climate impacts.

For Jordan specifically, the NDCs for next year are likely to build on this, reflecting the country’s commitment to both mitigation and adaptation. They may also highlight Jordan’s increased emphasis on renewable energy expansion, enhanced energy efficiency, water resource management and reuse as well as sustainable agriculture (given the country’s vulnerability to water scarcity and extreme heat).

A call to action for our future

As the world moves forward with ETF and ambitious climate targets, Jordan serves as a prime example of a nation committed to meaningful actions. The upcoming NDCs are expected to set the bar higher, signalling Jordan’s dedication to a sustainable, resilient future. However, the climate challenge cannot be tackled by one country alone; it requires collective action, shared accountability and continuous support and innovation. By supporting global transparency standards and by submitting our first BTR and the NDC 3.0, Jordan has joined the global effort to create a world where all nations can thrive within safe, stable climate boundaries. Each step forward, each commitment honoured and each policy implemented takes us closer to a climate-resilient future for all.