This article was originally published on LinkedIn
1. Key Themes: shift from pledges → delivery & accountability. A more significant tone of collaboration with policymakers and influencers. More significant focus on “do something vs. say something” and “more actions less slogans.” Climate framed in terms of business value: cost savings, risk reduction, competitiveness vs. ESG “do this because it’s good for the environment.” Products and services that win do so on merit + purpose, not the reverse (good for environment, but mid or worse on other merits).
2. Water as a Central Focus: water described as “the most undervalued asset in the world” and seen as a risk management + resilience issue, not just sustainability. PFAS a major headline topic gaining attention and alarm (new book by journalist Rachel Franzin, Poisoning the Well). Drinking water increasingly seen as a major U.S. issue, with big tailwinds for clean water solutions. Data centers under scrutiny for excessive water use in cooling, a big problem to solve for given no immediate slowdown on the AI-rush of data center builds. Distributed / decentralized water systems highlighted as key area to watch.
3. Broader Climate & Sustainability Trends: nature-based solutions (wetlands, mangroves, green infrastructure) as core defenses. Energy transition continues, with recognition there’s no “one solution fits all.” Defense funding at highest level since Cold War; fascinatingly, same presenters data set showed that countries with strong defense spending actually move faster on environmental initiatives due to speed, tech innovation, risk reduction, and policy alignment.
4. Finance, Capital Markets & Innovation: private capital markets debt at record highs → companies increasingly asking why IPO given the strictures and reporting req’s of being public. Trend toward consolidation and staying private. Blended finance and climate funds emphasized to de-risk innovation. Investors focus on painkillers vs. vitamins; products that solve immediate, painful problems win faster. AI as an obvious competitiveness factor, even with investors assessing teams competence with AI as a proxy for their investment-worthiness. Growing skepticism: “ESG is dead” → investors/markets tired of ESG hype, want measurable impact with purpose.
5. Climate Justice & Equity: Stronger voice for frontline communities, BIPOC leaders, and Indigenous knowledge. Framed as not only a fairness issue, but critical for inclusive, durable solutions.
6. Challenges & Risks Raised: implementation gap as many pledges lack execution or financing. Underfunding of water/nature projects, especially in vulnerable regions. Political headwinds against ESG and climate policy in some regions. Climate fatigue risk–stakeholders want results, not promises and pipe dreams.