Assessing the Alignment of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Climate Mitigation & Adaptation Policies with the Outcome of the First Global Stocktake (GST1) under the Paris Agreement: A Case Study of Malaysia

The outcome of the first Global Stocktake (GST1), concluded at COP28, is expected to firmly inform countries’ next nationally determined contributions (NDCs), due in early 2025, so as to ensure that global efforts are on track to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Taking Malaysia as a case study country, the objective of this study is to assess the alignment level of the outcome of GST1 with Malaysia’s current NDC and other relevant climate policies for mitigation and adaptation using a simple assessment checklist and available policy documents. The assessment shows that while the country has made progress, gaps remain in fully aligning with global climate goals. Malaysia should focus on expanding its policy scope, setting more ambitious targets in renewable energy, energy efficiency, non-CO2 gases and forests. It should also align existing policies with the NDC through stronger internal coordination. Malaysia’s adaptation strategies indicate that the country is making good efforts, particularly in enhancing resilience and managing risks, but there is still a need for more ambitious and comprehensive actions across all sectors.