Net Zero Nation by Nation: Where Countries Stand in 2025

A World United by a Common Goal

As the effects of climate change become increasingly evident, countries around the world are increasing their decarbonisation efforts. Net zero targets are becoming both a standard and essential. From legislation to infrastructure investment, many nations are making meaningful progress, though the pace and success of these efforts vary. In this blog, we explore how the UK, EU, and other global players are progressing towards their net zero goals, and take a closer look at who’s leading, who’s lagging, and who’s already there.

United Kingdom: Transition in Full Swing

The UK has long positioned itself as a climate leader, being the first G7 nation to commit to a 2050 net zero target back in 2019. Since then, progress has been notable, particularly in the energy sector – with coal having disappeared from the grid. In its place, a surge in offshore wind and solar capacity have emerged. In 2024, renewables overtook fossil fuels in electricity generation, marking a significant milestone. However, challenges remain. With the UK government facing criticism for delays in the rollout of heat pumps and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Still, with strong legislative backing and public support, the UK remains among the frontrunners in Europe and the world.

European Union: A Unified but Uneven Front

The EU has collectively pledged to achieve net zero by 2050 under its European Green Deal, with progress being commendable although uneven among member states. The bloc recently passed new legislation tightening emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2040. Countries like Sweden and Denmark are well ahead, with robust renewables penetration and circular economy strategies. However, other nations, particularly those in Eastern Europe such as Poland, lag behind due to economic constraints and/ or historical reliance on coal. Still, the EU remains a global leader in regulatory ambition and green investment, bolstered by strategies like the Fit for 55 package and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

France: Nuclear Backbone and Renewable Ambition

France’s energy transition is defined by its long-standing reliance on nuclear energy, which already supplies the majority of its electricity with low emissions. Recently, France has doubled down on both nuclear expansion and renewable energy, aiming to build new reactors while also adding solar and offshore wind capacity. In early 2025, the French government passed legislation to streamline the approval process for renewable infrastructure, which had been a key bottleneck in prior years. While its nuclear-heavy mix provides a head start in reducing emissions, the government recognises that a diversified renewable strategy is key to meet its 2050 net zero target.

Germany: Balancing Ambition and Reality

Germany has committed to achieving net zero by 2045, one of the most ambitious targets among large economies. It is rapidly phasing out coal and has already exited nuclear power, placing heavy reliance on wind and solar. However, the transition has not been without obstacles. High energy prices, grid reliability concerns, and bureaucratic delays have posed challenges. Despite this, Germany’s Energiewende (energy transition) remains a defining policy, and its industrial strength positions it as a critical player in Europe’s green transformation.

United States: Catching Up, Fast

The USA has re-entered the global climate stage following the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022. The law allocates over $370 billion to clean energy and climate initiatives, making it the largest investment of its kind in US history. As of 2025, wind and solar growth have accelerated dramatically, especially in states like Texas and California. Although the US is yet to pass its own net zero legislation, many individual states and corporations are committing to ambitious timelines. If momentum continues, the US has the potential to make significant progress towards net zero, though political stability and a lack of federal laws mandating net-zero remain key variables.

Japan: Steady but Cautious Steps

Japan aims for net zero by 2050 and has recently increased investment in hydrogen and offshore wind. Following the Fukushima disaster, nuclear energy remains a sensitive topic, though the government is slowly reintroducing it to their energy mix. Solar power has been widely deployed, but land constraints limit its scalability. A new law was passed in late 2024 to accelerate green hydrogen deployment, signalling a serious intent to diversify Japan’s renewable portfolio. While the pace of transition is slower than in the West, Japan’s technological leadership could give it an edge in the development of innovative clean energy solutions.

Recent Commitments

In the past year, several countries have formally legislated net zero into law. Australia passed its Net Zero Emissions Bill in late 2024, committing to a 2050 target with legally mandated interim reductions. Canada updated its Net Zero Accountability Act to include clearer enforcement strategies as well as annual reporting. Moreover, South Korea also adopted legally binding targets for 2050 and unveiled an aggressive green investment plan. Overall, these legal commitments provide long-term certainty and help attract clean energy investments as well as move net zero from rhetoric to reality, setting the stage for accountability.

Net Zero Leaders

A handful of countries have either reached net zero or are exceptionally close. Bhutan is carbon negative thanks to its vast forest cover and hydroelectric exports. Suriname also maintains a carbon negative balance. Among developed nations, Sweden is widely regarded as closest to reaching net zero, with a near-complete shift to renewables and strong social commitment to sustainability. Iceland and Norway are also leading, with abundant hydropower and progressive transport policies. These countries offer valuable blueprints for how net zero can be achieved, though their smaller populations and abundant natural resources provide a substantial advantage.

From Targets to Tangible Action

The global push towards net zero is no longer just an aspiration, it’s an unfolding reality, shaped by laws, emerging technologies, and public/ global pressure. While some countries sprint ahead with legislation and infrastructure, others are only beginning to map their journeys. Overall, the next five years will be vital in determining whether pledges translate into progress.