Germany has committed to phasing out fossil fuels by 2045, a shift from its earlier carbon neutrality pledge. The distinction matters because carbon neutrality can rely on offsets, while a phaseout targets the actual burning of oil, gas, and coal. California, meanwhile, says it has run on 100% clean electricity on nine out of ten days in 2026. Both governments are part of a coalition of large economies pushing for faster fossil fuel decline after COP30. The article also points to research showing most climate policies fail to cut emissions, and that pricing fossil fuels, not just setting targets, is the key lever. For anyone tracking climate policy, this is a useful snapshot of where two major economies stand.
