Sustainability is no longer viewed as just a compliance requirement – it’s now recognized as a strategic driver of business value and long-term resilience.
The fourth edition of the Capgemini Research Institute’s A world in balance series reveals how organizations are navigating rising climate risks, consumer expectations, and geopolitical pressures on their path to sustainability.
Read an executive summary below.
Click to read World in Balance 2025
Drawing on insights from 2,146 senior executives from 716 leading organizations across 13 countries, and a global survey of 6,566 consumers, the report offers a comprehensive view of sustainability strategy, execution, and impact. Key findings include:
- Investment is set to increase, but credibility of climate action is under pressure: 82% of organizations plan to increase environmental sustainability investments, and 92% are holding firm on net zero timelines. Yet only 21% have detailed transition plans, and 62% of consumers believe companies are greenwashing – indicating rising public skepticism.
- Sustainability is seen as a strategic value driver: 67% of executives cite business value creation – profitability, efficiency, and cost savings – as a key reason for sustainability investments. Almost half (49%) of organizations have already realized a positive return on investment (ROI) on their sustainability investments, and 75% see sustainability as core to future-proofing.
- Climate adaptation is on the radar, but execution is lagging: Despite widespread climate-related disruptions, only a minority have taken concrete steps like infrastructure upgrades or production shifts. A disconnect persists between perceived readiness and operational resilience.
- AI is accelerating sustainability – but its footprint raises concerns: 64% use AI to advance sustainability goals, yet only 32% have taken steps to mitigate Gen AI’s environmental impact. While 57% believe its benefits outweigh the environmental costs – this number has declined from 67% in 2024, indicating growing caution.
- Structural, geopolitical, and organizational barriers persist: Sustainability maturity has dipped. Geopolitical tensions are slowing down initiatives, according to 65% of executives. Financial constraints, data gaps, and operational silos are slowing progress, while consumer adoption is also limited by affordability and access to information.
A world in balance 2025: Unlocking resilience and long-term value through environmental action is essential reading for chief sustainability officers and the broader C-suite, including leaders in strategy, R&D, supply chain, technology, and operations. It provides a cross-functional view of sustainability transformation – highlighting where momentum is slowing, why, and what actions can drive renewed progress. Key actions include:
- Strengthen the credibility of climate actions through near-term measures
- Build consumer trust with intuitive messaging
- Advance from strategy to execution in climate adaptation
- Ramp up circularity to reduce resource dependency
- Invest in next-generation infrastructure to enhance resilience
- Transform and evolve functions to build future-readiness
- Enable sustainability progress through robust data systems and responsible AI.
To access these global insights and explore how leading organizations are sustaining momentum amid the complex realities of sustainability transformation, download the full A world in balance 2025 report today.