The Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches has released the first edition of its Climate Policy Database, providing detail on how governments are tackling climate change through policy action.

With data covering 38 out of 60 countries so far, and around 1,600 carbon mitigation policy instruments, the database aims to offers granular insights across the full range of policies adopted by countries. This includes information on subsidies, taxes, emissions trading systems, technology and performance standards, as well as framework regulations and labelling schemes.

Mathias Cormann, OECD secretary general, said: “This new flagship IFCMA Climate Policy Database is part of our broader efforts at the OECD to help optimise the global emissions reduction impact of emissions reduction efforts in countries around the world, through data and information sharing, evidence-based peer learning and multilateral dialogue.”

“It provides policymakers with new, comparable data and information on different carbon mitigation approaches pursued in countries around the world. Through this database we will provide systematic and comprehensive data and information, going into granular detail, to help inform governments on all the options available to them when deciding on the best possible way to achieve emissions reduction outcomes in their relevant jurisdictions.

The OECD says that the database provides policymakers and the wider public with access to some of the most detailed information available yet on climate mitigation policy design. All data – including information on more than 10,000 policy sub-schemes – was validated and reviewed by countries prior to the launch, through close engagement with the OECD. The IFCMA says it will continue to expand the database to include additional instruments and countries.

Cormann added: “Over time, this evidence-based mutual learning and the multilateral dialogue on minimising negative and maximising positive cross border spillover impacts of different approaches will help optimise the global emissions reduction impact of individual national efforts around the world.”

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