With global discussions focused on the Action Agenda for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, corporate stakeholders are increasingly demanding tangible progress. The upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (November 10–21) aims to build on the momentum from the first outcomes of the Global Stocktake at COP28, focusing on innovation and new partnerships across industries and global regions.
Companies committed to decarbonizing their operations and aligning with global climate goals in today's fragmented geopolitical landscape are reevaluating their strategies. Below are some key themes and opportunities to help foster meaningful progress toward net zero goals.
Tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency
One of the central goals for COP30 is checking progress against the global commitment to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, a goal established at COP28 to keep the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target within reach. The experts have made it clear that the world is collectively and critically lagging on this target and course corrections are urgent. As regulators and investors raise expectations, energy efficiency will be seen less as a cost-saving measure and more as a core part of risk and resilience planning. For companies, this signals a rapidly changing energy landscape where collaboration around clean energy is a strategic move forward.
Key points:
- Expect greater pressure to shift away from fossil-based electricity and focus on impactful procurement solutions that drives new supply.
- Address challenges to scale clean energy adoption – such as the need for infrastructure upgrade - while ensuring reliability and long-term supply contracts.
Opportunities for corporates:
The use of Energy Efficiency certificates (a.k.a. white certificates), in places where they exist, supports the upfront financing of energy efficiency measures.
Accelerating Zero- and Low-Emission Technologies in Hard-to-Abate Sectors
Sectors such as steel, cement, chemicals, shipping and aviation remain among the most difficult to decarbonize. COP30 is expected to spotlight the need for faster deployment of zero- and low-emission technologies in these industries. This includes scaling solutions such as green hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, the electrification of industrial heat and alternative fuels.
Key points:
- Expect growing pressure to work with suppliers and industry coalitions to pilot and scale breakthrough technologies.
- Strengthening the production and supply chain of inputs (such as biogases, biofuels and e-fuels) is necessary to ensure that the population’s demands for energy, transportation, goods and quality jobs are met throughout the energy transition.
Opportunities for corporates: Focus on overcoming existing barriers, such as the lack of interoperability in carbon accounting methodologies, high costs and the need for investment in new infrastructure.
Article 6: Carbon Markets and International Cooperation
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement continues to evolve and remains a cornerstone of climate diplomacy. At COP30, negotiators will aim to clarify further the rules governing international carbon markets and cooperation between countries. For corporates, this is a space to watch closely.
Key Points:
- Article 6 has the potential to unlock high-integrity carbon markets that can support climate finance, deliver real emissions reductions and help companies meet voluntary or compliance goals.
- In the longer term, a well-regulated Article 6 market could support more cost-effective decarbonization strategies and encourage international project development in mitigation and adaptation.
Opportunities for corporates: Credibility and transparency will be critical. The private sector should prepare for increased scrutiny of carbon credits and claims, particularly regarding additionality, double counting and social impact. Engaging with high-integrity standards and aligning internal carbon pricing with emerging best practices will be essential.
Climate and Sustainable Finance
Mobilizing climate finance remains a core challenge. At COP30, expect renewed calls for both public and private sector contributions to support the transition, particularly in emerging economies.
Key Points:
- Sustainable finance is no longer only about disclosure. COP30 is likely to highlight the need for credible transition plans, sector-specific pathways and robust emissions data along the supply chain.
- For corporates, this trend is already reshaping capital flows. Lenders, insurers and investors are increasingly factoring climate risks and transition plans into their decisions. Sustainable finance instruments, such as green bonds, sustainability-linked loans and climate-aligned investment frameworks, are becoming standard tools for large companies.
Opportunities for Corporates: Companies that can demonstrate how their strategies align with global climate goals will be better positioned to access capital and build stakeholder trust. There is also a growing expectation for corporates to help close the adaptation finance gap. This may take the form of climate-resilient infrastructure, nature-based solutions or community engagement programs that build resilience across supply chains.
Reduction of Non-CO₂ Gases
COP30 is expected to place increasing emphasis on non-CO₂ greenhouse gases such as methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases. This shift opens up new opportunities for emissions cuts that are both impactful and cost-effective.
Key Points:
- Companies in sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture and waste management should expect new regulatory and voluntary initiatives focused on monitoring, reporting and reduction.
- Methane, in particular, is drawing global attention due to its high warming potential and relatively short atmospheric lifetime. Technologies for methane leak detection, improved waste treatment and low-emission fertilizer use are rapidly advancing.
Opportunities for Corporates: For many companies, targeting non-CO₂ gases can offer a faster and often more cost-effective path to emissions reductions than CO₂ alone. More broadly, integrating non-CO₂ gases into corporate climate strategies will be necessary to align with revamped net-zero targets and maintain credibility in climate and sustainability reporting.
Conclusion
For corporates, the opportunity lies in moving beyond siloed efforts to engage in strategic, cross-sector collaboration. This could include joint investment in clean technologies, participation in high-integrity carbon markets or planning for a transition that encompasses the entire supply chain. Companies that act now, in step with the evolving COP30 agenda, will be better positioned to lead in a low-carbon economy that values speed, scale and shared accountability.
Get in touch with STRIVE by STX to learn how your business can translate the COP30 agenda into practical climate action.
