Despite facing a challenging year in 2025, new evidence shows that sustainability remains resilient in the face of political headwinds. PwC conducted extensive research across multiple public company filings. What they found refutes the common narrative that sustainability suffered a mortal blow in 2025. Here are a few statistics pulled from the report:
- “Eight in ten (82%) companies held steady or accelerated the timeline they needed for achieving their ambitions.
- More companies are increasing ambitions (23%) compared to those decreasing (18%).
- Progress held, with more organizations on track to meet their targets than in prior years.”
However, the report tempers these encouraging numbers with a harsh reality. Despite holding steady, net-zero is still a faraway target. The authors note:
“Let’s be clear: this does not mean the world is on track to meet its climate goals. It does suggest, however, that corporate decarbonization efforts among disclosing companies are more durable than expected.
This staying power is predicated on corporate sustainability entering its next era, defined by financial discipline and strategic precision. Companies are sharpening capital allocation and pressure-testing every move against resilience, risk exposure, growth and profitability.”
These findings further corroborate the survey results I blogged about last month. That survey found similarly high levels of continued commitment to sustainability. Despite political messaging to the contrary, companies are seeing climate-related financial risks unfold in real time. The opinions of politicians don’t change insurance premiums. The results of this report point to the value of sustainability. While companies may be keeping their sustainability efforts out of the limelight, the important work is continuing behind the scenes. These ambitions are still being disclosed, even if they aren’t being marketed.
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