André Corrêa do Lago, president of the COP30 climate conference, has indicated a waning enthusiasm for climate change initiatives in wealthier nations. This sentiment extends beyond government actions; the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has reported a decline in corporate commitment to sustainability, as outlined in its latest governance report. Current innovation in climate and environmental technologies appears insufficient, with only 8% of global patents classified as green. The lack of robust incentives for research and development in green technologies may hinder meaningful progress, potentially leading firms to pursue only incremental improvements.
While the OECD report notes an increase in sustainability committees and the incorporation of sustainability metrics into executive compensation, questions remain about their actual impact. These governance changes may not lead to substantial outcomes unless they are accompanied by measurable results and a genuine commitment to integrating sustainability into core business strategies.
The timing of the OECD report raises concerns, particularly as its findings largely predate Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January. Initial research suggests that, while not all companies are reversing their environmental efforts, there is a notable rise in “greenhushing” and several climate initiatives have faltered. If these patterns continue, global efforts, including those through COP processes, may not only stagnate but potentially regress.
At COP30, discussions have revealed additional tensions, particularly regarding access for Indigenous leaders to the event, which has raised the slogan “Nothing about us without us.” Furthermore, the proposal for a global forest fund has been welcomed, yet there are calls for transparency regarding potential environmental damage caused by infrastructure projects related to the conference, such as a new highway through the jungle.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/13/as-cop30-meets-climate-is-slipping-down-the-boardroom-agenda