The climate action blueprint: 6 priorities for a sustainable future

For decades, we have watched temperatures creep upwards. The 2030 deadline for peak emissions that was set in Paris in 2015 once seemed a distant goalpost. Now it is suddenly upon us. In the last stretch before the clock runs out, nations, leaders, communities, organizations and individuals have realized the urgency of bold, ambitious climate action to keep temperatures down and secure our future. 

Prior to ADSW 2025, ADSW convened its Advisory Committee on Climate and Environment – a select group from some of the world’s leading cleantech companies, national utility firms, advanced research institutions and international regulatory bodies – to explore the trends that will help us meet our climate goals during these crucial years. Their clear-eyed insight into the critical issues, challenges, and opportunities ahead outline the pathways to a livable world, championing optimism and collaboration as indispensable tools for progress.

Here are the six trends they signposted as defining climate action in the next few years:

1. The role of climate tech

There is a lot of buzz about the potential of climate technology. There is less discussion about what technology will fit where, and why. Technology is powerful, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different regions, countries and cultures will benefit from different approaches and solutions.

For instance, carbon capture technologies resonate in Europe, while states in Africa are prioritizing renewable energy access. When technology is truly matched to the needs of communities, it can lead to further benefits: fast uptake, job creation, health improvements and more. These technologies can foster greater public and policymaker buy-in, which, in turn, signals to investors that sustainable solutions deliver real-world dividends. Intentionally tailoring climate tech to local contexts can unlock a virtuous cycle of investment and adoption. 

2. Bridging the investment gap

As it stands, there are limited resources for scalable, impactful climate solutions, and rapidly growing demands. This is compounded by investors’ notorious aversion to risk. Potentially game-changing climate innovations languish in limbo, unable to be deployed without investment, but unable to secure it until they have hard evidence of their impact.

Climate change is not business as usual, and solutions may be unorthodox, untested or unfamiliar. To unlock the capital needed, investors worldwide must rethink how we approach funding and how we measure return on investment. This requires collaboration across governments, regulators, and citizens to instill confidence in both innovation and implementation.

3. Leveraging AI for transformational change
 
No discussion of the next few years can disregard artificial intelligence (AI), which exploded into industries in the last year. AI-driven tools are already outperforming traditional climate modeling methods, offering precision in energy management, agriculture, and resource optimization. 

However, the paradox of AI’s potential pitted against its unprecedented environmental cost presents a profound dilemma. AI development needs to be guided by an unwavering environmental focus to make it a game-changer in climate action.

4. The rise of corporate sustainability reporting
 
Transparency in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting has surged following pivotal discussions at COP28. Enhanced disclosure standards push companies to track and report sustainability metrics, ranging from CO2 emissions to resource usage. 

But for ESG reporting to translate into lowered emissions, they will have to be more than quarterly reports. Governments will need to take an active role and align reporting, accountability and incentives. With the right mix of oversight, carrots and sticks, ESG reporting can become the fuel for the kind of accountability and competitive ambition that could tip the scales in the planet’s favor.

5. Carbon pricing
 
There is little in the climate change space that has drawn more praise and ire than carbon pricing. Despite its potential to drive down emissions, carbon pricing systems remain mired in controversy and inefficiency. Inconsistent standards for measurement, reporting, and verification have eroded trust in carbon credits, raising concerns over greenwashing and diminishing their appeal. The committee underscored the urgency of reworking the narrative around carbon markets, through greater transparency and strengthening market integrity. 

6. The power of young people

Too often, climate action is seen as the sphere of politics, corporations and tech. But those who will be most affected by our changing climate need to have a seat at the table: young people.

Facing down the barrel of an unsustainable future, today’s youth are deeply concerned with the climate crisis. Involving them today is pivotal for sustaining long-term climate action. Empowering the next generation to adopt green practices, advocate for policy changes, and innovate within their communities creates a pipeline of future leaders and solution providers. Their participation can’t be superficial; it should be a core part of climate programming. The committee stressed the importance of engaging youth at all levels to ensure widespread and enduring momentum for environmental progress.

Toward a collaborative climate future

The committee was under no illusion: the tasks before us are formidable. From aligning global priorities to overcoming financial and technological hurdles, we are approaching years where we must encourage cultural, political, financial and social change. 

Yet the opportunities are equally profound. Increased visibility of climate issues has laid the groundwork for meaningful action. Climate solutions that simultaneously advance development and environmental goals can pave the way for systemic transformation. A willingness to share knowledge from successes and learnings can accelerate change and compound our wins. With collaboration among governments, industries, and individuals to shape policies, accelerate innovation, and build resilient communities, we stand a fighting chance against climate change.

For more intelligence, read the ADSW Advisory Committee Insights Report: Climate and Environment.