• 53% of global firms have or are developing a net zero strategy
• Low-carbon product claims grow 13% annually from 2020 to 2024
• COP30 signals shift from pledges to implementation, with adaptation finance set to triple

Euromonitor’s latest report, Global Sustainability Trends: Embracing a Lower Carbon Future, shows that aligning environmental goals with decision-making delivers growth, resilience and new opportunities. According to the report, over half of major global companies say climate change is already affecting consumer demand, while 53% have or are developing net zero strategies.

Jorge Zuñiga, Senior Insights Consultant – Sustainability at Euromonitor International, said: “Board-level pressure for climate action has surged, but execution is outpacing strategy. Embedding sustainability at the heart of business is essential to build trust and drive impact.”

From pledges to proof: Implementation and opportunity

COP30 in Belém marked progress on adaptation financing and just transition mechanisms yet failed to reach consensus on phasing out fossil fuels, underscoring geopolitical tensions and the widening gap to the 1.5°C target.

As the focus shifts from setting ambitious goals to delivering real-world impact, businesses are under growing pressure to demonstrate tangible results, not just pledges. Leading players like Unilever, IKEA and Mastercard are proving that sustainability and profitability can coexist, with sustainable revenue streams now outpacing traditional sources for the world’s most sustainable companies.

Zuñiga said: “The era of climate credibility has begun. Stakeholders want proof that sustainability delivers value for people, planet and profit. It is no longer sufficient for companies to simply issue transparency reports or make public commitments; there is a clear demand for concrete evidence that sustainability initiatives are delivering measurable value.”

Nature and adaptation: Priorities for future resilience

A major outcome of COP30 was the launch of a USD125 billion fund to provide direct financial incentives to countries for halting deforestation, making conservation economically viable.

With 61% of global companies planning to invest in sustainable sourcing over the next five years, the issue is gaining prominence in food, beverages and personal care. Nature risk is no longer theoretical, it is a supply chain, brand and licence-to-operate issue. Executives must embed regenerative sourcing and biodiversity preservation into core strategy before nature becomes the bottleneck to growth.

Zuñiga concluded: “Safeguarding natural and water resources is not merely a necessity, it is the cornerstone for building resilient supply chains and driving truly sustainable growth. Without this focus, the future of both business and the planet is at serious risk.”

To access the full report and discover how sustainability can drive your business forward, visit: Global Sustainability Trends: Embracing a Lower Carbon Future.

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