Harnessing Mission Governance to Achieve National Climate Targets

To achieve ambitious climate targets under the Paris Agreement, countries need more than political will - they need effective governance. This report examines how a mission-oriented approach can transform climate action. Analysing 15 countries' climate council assessments, the report reveals that, while many nations are incorporating elements of mission governance, significant gaps remain. It highlights promising examples of whole-of-government approaches, while identifying key challenges, such as limited societal engagement, weak co-ordination, and a lack of focus on experimentation and ecosystem mobilisation. The report argues that national climate commitments effectively function as overarching missions, and thus, can greatly benefit from applying mission governance principles. It recommends integrating missions into climate mitigation efforts, applying these principles to policy design and implementation, and deploying targeted missions to address specific climate challenges. By embracing a holistic, mission-driven strategy, countries can enhance their climate action and achieve their ambitious targets.