OECD Report Warns of Climate Policy Lags, Emissions Gap Threatening Paris Agreement Goals

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released its "Climate Action Monitor 2025," revealing a significant shortfall in global efforts to meet climate targets. The report indicates that in 2023, greenhouse gas emissions from 50 OECD and partner countries were approximately 2.5 gigatonnes of CO₂ equivalent—8%—above the levels required to meet their 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This gap underscores the inadequacy of current emission targets in aligning with the Paris Agreement's objectives.

The report also highlights a slowdown in the implementation of climate policies. In 2024, there was only a 1% increase in the number and stringency of policies, continuing a trend of declining momentum since 2022. This deceleration suggests that the initial urgency in adopting climate policies is waning.

OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann emphasized the urgency of enhanced climate action, stating, "The benefits of climate action for our ecosystems, societies and economies are significant, including greater resilience to climate risks. Realising these benefits will require countries to step up efforts towards meeting their commitments, and select an ambitious, appropriate policy mix reflecting their unique circumstances and climate objectives."

Sectoral patterns underline the challenge. Electricity and heat production and transport remain the largest sources of emissions. Since 2015, OECD countries have reduced emissions mainly in power generation and industry, while transport emissions have not declined. Partner countries' emissions also rose, driven by strong economic growth and continued reliance on fossil fuels.

Although 114 countries and the European Union have adopted net-zero targets, only 30 countries and the EU—representing 17.7% of global emissions—have enshrined these targets into law. This lack of legal commitment raises concerns about the enforceability and credibility of these pledges.

The findings of the "Climate Action Monitor 2025" have profound implications. The emissions gap and policy implementation slowdown suggest a heightened risk of failing to meet the Paris Agreement goals, potentially leading to more severe climate-related events such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts. Delayed or insufficient climate action can result in economic instability, affecting industries reliant on stable environmental conditions and leading to increased costs associated with disaster response and infrastructure repair. Elevated emissions contribute to air pollution, which is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, thereby impacting public health systems and overall societal well-being.

The "Climate Action Monitor 2025" serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for enhanced and legally binding climate policies. The report's findings call for immediate action to bridge the emissions gap, accelerate policy implementation, and ensure that national commitments are aligned with the overarching goals of the Paris Agreement.