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Fast-tracking Net Zero by building climate and economic resilience: a summary for policymakers

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Fast-tracking Net Zero by building climate and economic resilience: a summary for policymakers

Achieving climate neutrality is still possible, but it demands accelerated policies, innovation, and financing. Buildings play a crucial role: improving efficiency, electrification, and resilience can cut emissions while delivering economic and social benefits.

Editorial Team

The report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) emphasises that achieving climate neutrality remains possible, but it requires an unprecedented acceleration in policies, innovation and financing. After a record-breaking year of heat in 2024 and increasingly visible impacts, the urgency is clear: emissions must be drastically reduced before 2030 to limit overshooting the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement.

The document highlights that the transition to net-zero is not only feasible but can also generate significant economic opportunities. The global market for clean technologies — such as solar, wind, and heat pumps — already exceeds 700 billion US dollars and could triple by 2035. However, current commitments and existing policies are insufficient. In this context, buildings are a strategic pillar: they account for a substantial share of energy consumption and emissions, yet offer enormous mitigation potential through efficiency, electrification and sustainable materials.

An integrated approach is needed, combining green industrial policies, reforms in public governance and measures to drive behavioural change among citizens. Key recommendations include designing coherent policy packages that incorporate demand-side actions, such as energy efficiency, alongside measures to cut methane emissions — a cost-effective strategy to buy time. The report also stresses the need for a just transition that protects workers and vulnerable communities, supported by education and training for new skills.

Financing is another cornerstone: although investment in clean energy surpassed fossil fuels in 2022, it remains insufficient. Aligning financial flows with climate goals and expanding access to funds in developing economies is essential. Furthermore, climate adaptation must be intensified through national plans, resilient infrastructure and innovative financing mechanisms.

27/05/2025

Fast-tracking Net Zero by Building Climate and Economic Resilience.pdf

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