Twenty years of climate policy: G20 coverage and gaps

The number and coverage of climate change mitigation policies have increased in the past twenty years, but important policy adoption gaps remain. To analyse sectoral G20 over time (2000–2019), we compiled a dataset mitigation-relevant identified 50 key options that constitute comprehensive package. Approximately half these are not widely adopted. Adoption is particularly low for aim to: phase out coal oil mandate energy reductions electricity heat supply; reduce industrial process emissions incentivise fuel switch industry; design urban planning strategies retrofits; support use renewable cooking heating/cooling purposes buildings. Policies to remove fossil subsidies carbon dioxide removal also need substantial improvement. However, many exist as at least one option could be improved each sector. Policy leave one-tenth G20’s completely uncovered. Filling fundamental realize full potential existing advance transition towards global net zero greenhouse gas emissions.Key insights Mitigation-related can presented matrix by sector shed light on what constitutes package; looking across helps unpack clarify status adoption.Policy all sectors. Increasing will help ensure relevant areas considered national efforts.Even if an increase alone does emission reductions, absence indicates still further reduced portion remain uncovered policies.Despite observed policies, slow progress reducing meeting collective Paris goals calls more policies. presents concrete strategy improve sectoral, policy.