Explaining INDCs

Abstract: In this thesis the following research question is posed: ”Which factors influence the levels of developing states nationally determined targets for reduction of greenhouse gasses?” The research question is answered through a quantitative study of 47 least-developed, developing and newly industrialized countries. The dependent variable of interest in this study is the level of mitigation targets, which are a part of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Mitigation targets which are comparable to each other were included in the study, this was decisive for the countries that were included in the sample. The influence of six domestic factors on the levels of mitigation targets is studied with regression analysis. The factors are: the size of the economy, the size of the fossil fuel industry, democracy, gender inequality, domestic environmental standard and environmental vulnerability. These factors are categorized into economic, institutional and environmental factors. The results suggest that the size of the economy of a developing country influences the level of the mitigation target that it adopts positively. The results did not support the other hypotheses.