A recent report highlights a troubling trend: the world is falling behind on efforts to keep global warming below 1.5°C. None of the 45 indicators of climate action assessed are on track for 2030. While some areas show promise, the overall progress is far too slow, putting communities and ecosystems at risk.
Clea Schumer from the World Resources Institute (WRI) states, “All systems are flashing red. A decade of delay has dangerously narrowed the path to 1.5°C. There’s no time left for hesitation.” This urgent message underscores the need for faster action.
The report, part of the State of Climate Action 2025 and supported by the Bezos Earth Fund and others, offers a roadmap for countries to follow their climate commitments. It translates the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal into specific targets for 2030, 2035, and 2050. The analysis covers key sectors: power, buildings, industry, transport, forests, and agriculture.
Out of the indicators assessed:
- Six are “off track,” meaning progress is slow but moving in the right direction.
- Twenty-nine are “well off track,” showing minimal movement.
- Five indicators are moving in the wrong direction and need urgent correction.
- Five others lack enough data for an assessment.
In 2024, electric vehicles (EVs) comprised 22% of global car sales, rising from just 4.4% in 2020. This growth, however, has slowed in key markets like Europe and the U.S. Meanwhile, private climate finance surged to $1.3 trillion in 2023, driven by increased investment in countries like China.
While certain aspects show growth, other critical areas stagnate. Public funding for fossil fuels has consistently increased, averaging $75 billion yearly since 2014, totaling over $1.5 trillion in 2023. Deforestation rates, which had previously decreased, are creeping up once more.
Sophie Boehm from WRI notes, “We’re not just falling behind — we’re flunking the most critical subjects. Basic actions are crucial to combat the climate crisis.”
Keeping the Paris Agreement’s target within reach demands rapid changes. By 2030, we need to:
- Phase out coal more than ten times faster, equivalent to shutting down nearly 360 coal-fired plants yearly.
- Reduce deforestation nine times faster — equivalent to losing over 22 football fields of forest every minute.
- Expand public transportation networks much faster to reduce reliance on cars.
- Reduce beef and lamb consumption significantly in certain regions.
- Enhance carbon removal technologies dramatically.
- Boost climate finance by nearly $1 trillion each year.
Despite these daunting challenges, there are positive trends. Since 2015, the global share of electricity from solar and wind has more than tripled. Notably, clean energy investments surpassed fossil fuel investments for the second straight year in 2024.
Kelly Levin from the Bezos Earth Fund emphasizes the progress made since the Paris Agreement ten years ago. While some achievements are encouraging, maintaining current growth rates won’t suffice. The share of solar and wind power needs to more than double to hit the 2030 goals.
The report warns: every year we delay, the gap in climate action widens.
For more in-depth insights and the full report, visit the Systems Change Lab.
