The 2020 NDC Update report discusses countries’ preparedness to ratchet up ambition in the first NDC update cycle amidst a global health crisis. Based on our survey of 98 policy makers and experts involved in NDC planning and implementation from 83 countries, it discusses the progress of NDC implementation since 2015, expectations for the NDC update cycle, and progress on the development of Long-term Low GHG Emission Development Strategies (LTSs). This report also analyses the potential impact of COVID-19 on climate planning and climate action with regards to the future of clean technologies, the national climate agenda, and mitigation pathways.