OECD | December 2023

Global warming is likely to reach 1.5°C as early as 2030, with current climate action falling short of meeting the Paris Agreement goals and a mounting risk of tipping beyond the ability of human societies to adapt.

Building on broader OECD work on climate, this report proposes a new OECD territorial climate indicator framework. It demonstrates that different territories have different potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and address vulnerabilities.

The report also presents a policy framework of 9 recommended actions to help decision-makers unleash more effective climate action and resilience. These actions include integrating a territorial approach into national and subnational climate policies and mainstreaming climate objectives into urban, rural, and regional policies.

The report summarises the analysis into a checklist for national and local governments to implement a territorial approach to climate and resilience policies. It also compendiums 36 best practices from cities, regions and countries worldwide.

Key findings

• Most OECD cities and regions are far from reaching net zero.
• The volume and source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions vary significantly across geographical scales within countries, highlighting that the pathways to achieving a net-zero transition will also differ.
• There are non-negligible territorial disparities in terms of climate impacts.

Recommended actions

• Measure and monitor GHG emissions, climate risks and impacts at different territorial levels.
• Fully incorporate local action into national climate plans and strategies.
• Develop subnational climate goals and targets that reflect specific local needs and interests in line with the Paris Agreement.
• Mainstream climate objectives in national urban, rural and regional development policies.
• Promote climate action and resilience at the right territorial scale.
• Support neighbourhood projects generating co-benefits and synergies beyond climate.
• Strengthen the legal and institutional environment.
• Enhance funding and financing mechanisms.
• Engage local actors, build partnerships and share knowledge.

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