Irreversibility in climate action

Le Quéré, C., Wilson, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8164-3566, Barton, H., Hall, J.W., Minns, A., Prosser, M., Russell, A.E., Tebboth, M.G.L., & Topping, N. (2026). Irreversibility in climate action. Nature Climate Change 16 (1) 5-7. 10.1038/s41558-025-02526-4.

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Abstract

Although climate action is undermined by political interests and institutional inertia, multiple safeguards are in place to prevent backsliding on progress so far, and positive feedbacks reinforce progress despite opposing forces. Key elements of climate action are irreversible and can be further strengthened by commitments, investments and positive narratives.

There is a growing political divide with forces at work, such as the deliberate efforts by the current US administration to weaken climate policies, discredit climate science and promote fossil fuels, which is cause for concern. This creates uncertainty in the direction of long-term policy to tackle climate change, which undermines the investments needed to drive decarbonization. Nevertheless, ambitious climate action is well underway and continues to evolve under the auspices of the Paris Agreement. Policies and investments have driven rapid cost reductions in renewable energy and batteries, while expanding the deployment of a range of low-carbon technologies.

Item Type:	Article
Research Programs:	Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) > Sustainable Service Systems (S3) Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) > Transformative Institutional and Social Solutions (TISS)
Depositing User:	Michaela Rossini
Date Deposited:	12 Jan 2026 14:06
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2026 14:07
URI:	https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/21221

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