As the world faces record-breaking heat and escalating climate risks, this report provides governments with policy insights to help close the ambition and implementation gaps to reach net zero. Drawing on the OECD’s substantial body of climate policy research, this summary for policymakers shows that reaching net zero is still possible but requires urgent action. It also discusses the importance of public support, trade, investment and finance, climate adaptation and bridging knowledge gaps to improve the effectiveness of climate policies.

Key messages

• Meeting net zero objectives is still possible. Careful policy design, including demand-side policies, can create the conditions for progress and governments themselves will also need to reform.
• The net zero transition needs to bring workers and citizens on board.
• Trade, finance and investment can accelerate climate action.
• Climate adaptation efforts and investments need to be intensified.
• Bridging knowledge gaps can improve the effectiveness of climate policies.