"Greenhouse gas emission reductions are a lifeline for humanity. In the lead up to the COP26 UN Climate Conference, governments worldwide were expected to submit strengthened emission reduction targets for the year 2030 (in the form of nationally determined contributions; NDCs), as well as mid-century, long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies (long-term strategies; LTSs). However, as of one week before the conference, countries responsible for just 55% and 32% of global greenhouse gas emissions had submitted NDCs and LTSs, respectively.1, 2 At present, emissions reductions in NDCs fall far short of the level needed to avoid harmful levels of global heating and protect health, and are instead projected to lead to around 2·7°C of warming by the end of the century.3 While it is paramount that governments commit to, and implement, emission reduction targets with a 2030 horizon, the importance of LTSs cannot be overlooked..."

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