OECD countries fall behind climate targets as global emissions reach record highs
Top line
A 2026 OECD report reveals that global emissions have reached record highs and member states are falling behind 2030 climate targets amidst intensifying extreme weather.
Summary
According to the OECD's 'The Climate Action Monitor' report, global greenhouse gas emissions hit a record 51 Gigatonnes in 2024. Although OECD member states have lowered their emissions by 11% since 2007, they are currently tracking 4% above the trajectory needed to reach their 2030 climate reduction goals. Meanwhile, major partner economies such as China and India have increased their emissions by 12% since 2015. This acceleration in global warming has driven a 146% surge in economic losses from natural disasters, causing widespread devastation including extreme heat and wildfires in Spain, and heightened flood and drought hazards across Latin America.
Highlights
- Global greenhouse gas emissions reached a record high of approximately 51 Gigatonnes (Gt) in 2024, marking a 1% increase from 2023 and a 7% rise compared to 2015.
- OECD member nations are emitting 4% above the pace required to meet their 2030 reduction targets outlined in the Paris Agreement.
- While OECD members have reduced emissions by 11% since peaking in 2007, partner economies like China and India saw their emissions grow by 12% since 2015 due to industrial and energy demands.
- OECD member states are projected to miss their target of reducing emissions from 12.8 Gt in 2024 to 10.2 Gt by 2030, while partner economies face an even wider 10% deviation gap.
- Average annual economic losses from natural disasters surged by 146%, rising from $101.2 billion (1994–1998) to $249.1 billion (2021–2025).
- Heatwaves between 2000 and 2026 were responsible for approximately 336,500 deaths globally.
- In Spain, days with temperatures exceeding 35°C have tripled in certain areas, tropical nights have doubled, and severe agricultural drought contributed to roughly 140,000 hectares burning in July 2026.
- Latin America and the Caribbean face severe exposure to prolonged heavy rainfall and flood risks, alongside agricultural stress and soil moisture loss in key producing nations like Brazil and Argentina.
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