OECD Climate Action Monitor: 2030 Emission Pledges Fall Short of Paris Agreement Goals

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its annual Climate Action Monitor 2025 on November 6, 2025, revealing that current 2030 greenhouse gas emission pledges are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement's temperature goals. The report emphasizes the urgent need for more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and enhanced national climate actions to bridge the gap between existing commitments and the objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Climate Action Monitor 2025 assesses the alignment of NDCs with 2050 targets, reviews climate-related hazards, and tracks national climate policy trends. Despite some progress, the report indicates that current 2030 emission reduction pledges fall short of the reductions needed to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. This shortfall underscores the necessity for countries to submit more ambitious NDCs and implement robust national climate policies.

The report also highlights an increase in the frequency and severity of climate-related hazards, such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss. These hazards pose substantial risks to ecosystems, economies, and human health. Additionally, the publication examines recent developments in national climate policies, noting both progress and setbacks. While some countries have implemented innovative policies and increased investments in renewable energy, others have faced challenges in policy implementation and enforcement.

OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann stated, "Our 2024 Climate Action Monitor underscores the growing impact of climate-related hazards and confirms that countries' emission reduction pledges are not consistent with the Paris Agreement temperature goals." He emphasized the need for more ambitious mitigation targets and effective implementation to make real progress on the net-zero transition.

The findings of the Climate Action Monitor 2025 have profound social and societal implications. The exacerbation of climate-related hazards threatens public health through increased incidence of heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues due to poor air quality, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. Insufficient climate action can lead to economic instability, affecting industries reliant on stable environmental conditions, such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Additionally, vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and developing nations, are disproportionately affected by climate change, exacerbating existing social inequalities and challenging efforts toward global equity.

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is a legally binding international treaty aimed at combating climate change. Its primary goal is to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. Under the Paris Agreement, countries submit NDCs, which are national plans outlining their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. These contributions are to be updated every five years, with each iteration reflecting increased ambition.

The OECD's Climate Action Monitor 2025 serves as a critical assessment of global progress toward climate goals. Its findings highlight the urgent need for more ambitious NDCs and comprehensive national policies to mitigate climate change. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from governments, industries, and societies worldwide to ensure a sustainable and equitable future.