As concerns grow about the risks of a disorderly climate transition, business leaders worldwide view sustainability as a driver of competitiveness and resilience, says business organisation the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
The WBCSD’s 'Business Breakthrough Barometer 2026' report shows that 68% of the more than 500 business leaders surveyed view a disorderly climate transition – defined as an unplanned and poorly coordinated transition – as more likely than a year ago, with 40% saying such a transition would significantly disrupt operations.
This growing concern is driven by intensifying physical climate impacts, climate policy volatility and reversals and geopolitical instability, which are driving rising costs and disrupting supply chains, the report says.
Further, 92% of business leaders expect sustainability to be a source of competitive advantage over the next five to ten years, with 89% of respondents maintaining or increasing investment in sustainability-linked initiatives.
Businesses are scaling-up investment in measures such as clean power, electrification, circularity and regenerative agriculture because these are the most cost competitive, secure and resilient options available.
