New article: Climate policy portfolios that accelerate emission reductions

Analyses of the most comprehensive climate policy dataset ever assembled (consisting of 3917 policy instruments adopted between 2000 and 2022 by 43 leading economies, contributing to over three quarters of global emissions) demonstrate that countries with stricter and better-targeted climate policies cut carbon emissions faster.
This major new study published in Nature Communications by researchers in the UK and EU also shows that targeting policies matters (policies aimed at the most polluting sectors — like energy, industry and transport — have the greatest effect. Climate targets strengthen policy impact and the presence of dedicated governmental bodies including ministries and intergovernmental organisations. The cumulative effect of all climate policy portfolios over our study period amounts to 3.1 GtCO2 fewer emissions in 2022 relative to a no-policy counterfactual - substantially less than what’s needed to stay on track for the Paris Agreement goals.