In 2025, Business Leaders and U.S. Voters Agree: It’s Time for Bold Climate Action

In 2025, something extraordinary is happening: corporate leaders and the American public are aligned on climate action. Two major reports—the WBCSD Business Breakthrough Barometer 2025 and Yale University’s Spring 2025 “Climate Change in the American Mind: Politics & Policy”—highlight a rare consensus. The takeaway? There is broad agreement that the time for incremental change has passed.

This alignment signals a unique opportunity to accelerate national efforts toward clean energy, climate resilience, and sustainable innovation.

WBCSD: Business Doubles Down on Clean Energy

91% of surveyed business executives in their 2025 Business Breakthrough Barometer have either maintained or increased their investments in clean energy over the past year.

What’s more telling is the shift in mindset. Many leaders now believe that delaying climate action carries more financial risk than making the transition. Clean energy is no longer treated as a future bet—it’s part of today’s core strategy. Sustainability is moving from the sidelines to the center of corporate decision-making.

This shift isn’t about optics. It’s about reducing risk, unlocking innovation, and staying competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Yale: Americans Want Stronger Corporate Climate Action

Meanwhile, public opinion reflects a similar urgency. A full 70% of registered voters believe that corporations and industry should do more to address global warming.

The report also highlights broad public backing for key climate policies, including:

• Tax incentives for individuals who purchase energy-efficient vehicles or install solar panels
• Government funding for research into renewable energy such as wind and solar
• Carbon limits for coal-fired power plants and industrial sources

While support levels vary by political affiliation, the overall direction is clear: Americans increasingly expect both government and industry to take serious, coordinated action on climate.

Why This Climate Consensus Matters in 2025

The convergence between business leadership and voter sentiment creates a powerful foundation for progress. When the private sector and the public are moving in the same direction, real change becomes more likely—and more lasting.

Here’s why it matters:

• Stronger policy support: Lawmakers now have broad backing to advance clean energy policies and emissions regulations.
• Market confidence: Businesses have a clearer view of where public priorities lie, which helps reduce uncertainty and guide investment.
• Accountability across sectors: This alignment adds pressure on organizations that have yet to develop or act on meaningful climate strategies.

In short, 2025 marks a shift from debate to action.

What U.S. Sustainability Professionals Can Do Now

For professionals in sustainability, risk, operations, or corporate strategy, this moment offers clear direction. Here are three steps to take:

1. Advance your climate goals: Review and strengthen your clean energy commitments and emissions targets.
2. Use the consensus: Leverage this alignment to secure internal buy-in, funding, and cross-departmental support.
3. Stay ahead of regulation: Anticipate and prepare for federal and state-level changes that are likely to accelerate.

Train to Lead the Transition

To lead during this critical phase, U.S. professionals need more than good intentions—they need practical tools, updated knowledge, and peer-tested strategies.

That’s where the Certified Sustainability Practitioner Program (USA) comes in. Designed for American professionals across business, government, and nonprofit sectors, this live, online training offers:

• U.S.-focused sustainability frameworks
• Policy trends and stakeholder insights
• Tools to design, implement, and report on climate strategies
• Peer learning with sustainability leaders across industries

If you want to lead climate action in your organization, this is the training to help you do it.

From Agreement to Acceleration

The 2025 climate consensus isn’t just encouraging—it’s actionable. Business leaders are investing. The public is ready. And the tools to move forward are available.

Now is the time to turn this rare alignment into measurable progress—for your organization, your community, and the country.