Here’s what we know for certain about business and climate change

Last week I attended GreenBiz 25, the Trellis Group’s annual corporate sustainability conference. One thing was clear, now is a particularly stressful and uncertain time, but our resolve is certain; the leaders we spoke to are committed to continue their work on climate, despite the political headwinds.  

This may be unexpected for some, but for us at Environmental Defense Fund it is no surprise. What we heard over and over at GreenBiz is what we’ve shown with our work for three decades: Climate risk is business risk and sustainability drives business value. Companies that are acting on climate are doing so because their climate strategy is a core part of their business strategy, and their leadership knows that acting on climate is necessary for remaining a strong, responsible business in the modern world. 

While the ground under us is shaking, here is what we know won’t change: Abundant solutions are available now to help companies gain business value from sustainability. Climate change is happening now and impacting companies directly and severely. 

Here are some of the facts that haven’t changed:  

1. The net zero movement is already underway: the economy has changed. Markets and decision makers want to see sustainable business choices, not just for the planet, but because it’s responsible business. The energy transition is already happening. Clean energy costs continue to go down and investment in clean tech is on the rise, largely in part because of the private sector demand.  
2. Climate risk is business risk: extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change increase physical risks to business and disrupt supply chains. In the last three years, the cost of natural disasters in the U.S. reached $461 billion and most companies are reporting climate-related disruptions to supply chains. 
3. Embedding sustainability drives business value: companies that are acting now are seeing benefits in the form of cost savings, employee engagement, innovation, and efficiencies. Real transformation happens when climate becomes embedded within corporate strategy and across business functions.  
4. The science hasn’t changed: delaying action only delays costs. While measuring and reporting are essential, it’s action that is needed most. No one can avoid the effects of the climate on customers, supply chains and on business competitiveness.   

A pause in public climate action would be like sweeping dust under the rug; this will only need to be cleaned up later. While we can expect “greenhushing” in the next few years, it is “green doing” that is needed — with an emphasis on progress over perfection.  

My recommendation for companies right now? First, focus where you have influence, such as encouraging your suppliers to take action on climate, which will help you reduce value chain emissions while building more resilient supply chains. Second, focus on impact. Go big on what’s material for the business and focus on investing in those projects to drive emission reductions. Focus where you can drive both climate and business progress. Resources such as EDF’s Net Zero Action Accelerator and SME Climate Hub are excellent free tools to help you prioritize action at scale.  

I left GreenBiz25 committed to working with corporate partners to turn ambition into action. While federal action is on pause, investors, consumers and employees still look to the private sector for responsible leadership. The future is ours to choose. As we all know, later is too late for climate action.