US Corporate Climate Action Rises Despite Federal Retreat
Even as federal climate policy retreats, U.S. companies are largely maintaining or increasing their climate investments, CSE’s 2025 Business Breakthrough Barometer finds 91% of executives maintained or increased clean‑solution spending and PwC reports 84% of firms are keeping or accelerating climate targets.
Multiple surveys and databases including 6,895 CDP respondents in 2024 (with over 4,000 indicating commitments, a nine‑fold rise versus five years), Net Zero Tracker’s 4,183 entities, and Statista’s finding that “more than 52% of the 625 largest publicly listed U.S. companies by annual revenue had no net zero targets” show rising corporate momentum alongside persistent gaps on offsets, Scope 3 coverage and disclosure standards.
key takeaways
- 91% of executives reported maintaining or increasing clean investments (CSE 2025); 84% of companies are keeping or accelerating climate targets (PwC 2025).
- PwC breakdown: 47% maintained decarbonization targets in 2024, 37% increased ambitions, and 16% pulled back.
- CDP participation: 6,895 respondents in 2024 with more than 4,000 indicating climate commitments a nine‑fold increase over five years.
- Net Zero Tracker covers 4,183 entities and highlights common gaps, notably reliance on offsets and incomplete Scope 3 coverage.
- Statista notes that “more than 52% of the 625 largest publicly listed U.S. companies by annual revenue had no net zero targets,” underscoring uneven coverage among big firms.
- Key drivers sustaining corporate action: investor and customer pressure, risk management (physical and supply‑chain), cost and innovation opportunities, and state/local policy and procurement backstops.
- Credibility risks remain: inconsistent ambition and implementation across sectors, overreliance on offsets, limited Scope 3 accounting, and uneven disclosure benchmarks like Climate Action 100+ reveal these gaps.
- What to watch next: CDP reporting rates and verifiable net‑zero plans, Net Zero Tracker metrics (offset policies and Scope 3 coverage), Climate Action 100+ benchmark progress, the share of large firms with science‑aligned targets, and federal/state policy shifts that will determine whether corporate momentum scales to economy‑wide emissions reductions.
Corporate Climate Ambition Despite Federal Retreat
U.S. companies maintain or increase climate investments even as federal policy pulls back. CSE’s 2025 Business Breakthrough Barometer finds 91% of executives kept or raised spending on clean solutions. PwC reports 84% of firms are holding or accelerating climate targets, with 47% maintaining targets, 37% increasing ambitions and 16% pulling back. Of 6,895 respondents to CDP in 2024, over 4,000 indicated climate commitments, a nine‑fold rise from five years earlier. Net Zero Tracker covers 4,183 entities and highlights persistent gaps such as reliance on offsets and incomplete Scope 3 coverage. Statista (2025) notes many of the 625 largest U.S. public companies still lack net‑zero targets.
Driving factors
Several consistent pressures are keeping companies in motion. They’re shaping investment and strategy choices across sectors.
- Investor and customer expectations.
- Operational cost and energy efficiency gains.
- Competitive positioning and talent attraction.
- Risk management for supply chains and physical climate impacts.
Business implications
Boards and executives can’t ignore these trends. Companies with clear targets and measured reductions gain capital access and market trust. We recommend prioritising direct emission cuts before relying on offsets. Start by closing measurement gaps in Scope 1, 2 and especially Scope 3. That strengthens procurement and supplier engagement, lowers long‑term costs and reduces regulatory and physical risk.
Practical steps and support
Move from ambition to delivery with a short, focused roadmap. Begin with a rapid emissions audit, set interim targets, then sequence high‑impact reductions like energy efficiency and switching to low‑carbon fuels. Engage suppliers early and track progress with robust data. For implementation help, see our SBS Net-Zero Program. We’ll help you cut risk, unlock efficiency and grow competitive advantage while advancing credible net‑zero plans.