The new OECD-UNDP report, Investing in Climate for Growth and Development: The Case for Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), emphasizes that climate action is not only urgent but a significant economic opportunity. Launched ahead of the 2025 Global NDC Conference in Berlin, the report illustrates how aligning climate policies with development goals can drive inclusive growth and resilience. It reveals that clean energy investments are now outpacing fossil fuel spending, and nearly 90% of the global economy is committed to net-zero targets. However, despite these advances, global emissions reached record highs in 2024, underlining the need for more ambitious and implementable climate commitments in the 2025 round of NDCs.
The report makes a compelling economic case for stronger climate action, showing that enhanced NDCs can spur GDP growth, reduce poverty, and boost energy security if backed by strong policy frameworks and investment strategies. UNDP and OECD leaders stress that climate strategies, when well-designed, can align public and private investment toward a low-emission, resilient future. The report also outlines strategic priorities for countries to unlock these benefits, reinforcing that climate action, far from being a financial burden, is a catalyst for sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
