Business Breakthrough Barometer

The annual pulse check from leading businesses on the pace of the net-zero transition

The Business Breakthrough Barometer 2025 provides real-time collective insights from leading global businesses on the pace of the transition, the action being taken and what needs to happen right now to scale investments – globally, and for seven sectors responsible for 50% of global emissions – steel, cement, power, hydrogen, road transport, buildings and fertilizer.

Developed by WBCSD in partnership with the Breakthrough Agenda, the Climate High-Level Champions and Marrakech Partnership Industry Group, and supported by Bain & Company, it is based on insights from more than 300 business leaders in over 50 countries.

The 2025 Business Breakthrough Barometer key insights:

Amid political volatility, businesses are holding firm on investments, to support long-term competitiveness.

91% of leaders say their businesses have maintained or increased investments in the net-zero transition over the past year

Bright spot countries – with clear policy, affordable clean energy, and growing demand for low-carbon solutions – are capturing a transition dividend.

94% of business leaders say supportive clean energy and net-zero transition policies are critical factors when making investment decisions

Business leaders urge governments to stay the course on emissions targets, as they expect increased costs from climate impacts over the next year.

96% of surveyed business leaders believe governments should stay committed to achieving net-zero emissions.

DOWNLOAD THE 2025 REPORT

CEO BRIEFING

POLICYMAKER BRIEFING

COUNTRIES TO WATCH

Sector Deep-dives

The Business Breakthrough Barometer Sector Deep-Dives provide a collective synthesis from leading businesses and organizations of the investment progress, barriers, policy priorities and countries to watch for each.