Leaders’ hesitation to incur the upfront costs of mitigation and adaptation has slowed the collective response to climate change. But what are the economic implications of inaction?
Each year, the UN convenes a Conference of Parties (COP), bringing together public and private sector leaders to catalyze action and deliver climate progress. From November 11 to November 22, the COP Presidency of Azerbaijan hosted COP29 in Baku, with a program focused on advancing the targets set forth in the Paris Agreement and designing an inclusive energy transition.
Every COP represents a critical moment in international progress and cooperation—an opportunity to align and forge collective action around a shared purpose. But each also acts as a reminder that time is running out to combat the worst effects of climate change. The objective of COP29 was focusing on the need to “invest today to save tomorrow.”
In Baku, BCG’s delegation convened clients across industries to explore pathways for green growth, reducing climate risks, and accelerating decarbonization. Our engagements at COP29 reinforced that, while much work remains—especially in delivering government-level cooperation worldwide-public and private sector organizations play a pivotal role in aligning net-zero goals with value creation to drive impactful progress.
Insights from COP29 and Beyond
At BCG, we remain committed to partnering with the most impactful institutions around the globe to drive impact on the issues that will be front and center at COP29. Our expertise includes:
Climate Finance — BCG is committed to helping organizations unlock climate financing and innovation by mobilizing funding across the investment and venture ecosystem.
Climate Finance — BCG is committed to helping organizations unlock climate financing and innovation by mobilizing funding across the investment and venture ecosystem.
Article
September 23, 2024
Our white paper—a collaboration with Howden and the conference’s High-Level Champions—illustrates the industry’s role through real-world examples in financial risk reduction, capital mobilization, operational performance optimization, and policy implementation.
Article
November 12, 2024
Companies need a holistic strategy to coordinate requirements, clearly define responsibilities, and effectively use advanced technologies.
Article
October 7, 2024
Optimizing networks requires balancing five key objectives that address traditional issues of cost, service, and growth as well as a new focus on sustainability and resilience.
Sustainable Transformation and Green Growth — We help leaders build more sustainable organizations and deliver greener impact. Our experts help legacy companies drive innovation at the core, ensuring that they are able to deliver financial returns and positive societal impact. We also work closely with emerging businesses to scale innovation and achieve lasting competitive advantage.
Article
November 11, 2024
There’s a major value-creation opportunity in building green businesses, but many complexities stand in the way. Here’s how CEOs can seize the opportunity.
Video
June 20, 2024
BCG’s Green Growth Accelerator partners with clients across industries and sectors—including energy, textiles, fast-moving consumer goods, transportation, and more—to drive climate innovation, unlock opportunities for growth, generate new revenue streams, and create lasting competitive advantage.
Article
October 23, 2024
This year’s report reflects data from over 6,000 PE-backed companies, offering new insights on how sustainability in the private markets has evolved over the last year.
The Sustainable Advantage: Insights on Creating Competitive Advantage Through Sustainability
Decarbonization and the Energy Transition — BCG combines a deep expertise in energy, climate, and
social impact to bring innovative and inclusive solutions to the energy transition. We work closely with clients to lower their emissions footprint, ensuring that they are ready to build—and operate in—a more sustainable world.
Article
November 13, 2024
A clear framework outlines mechanisms and pathways that unlock more capital to ensure the climate transition is not only green but also equitable.
Article
November 4, 2024
Companies that abate their methane emissions early can gain a significant competitive advantage. We’ve identified six steps that can ensure the abatement journey is a success.
Article
September 30, 2024
These aren’t traditional capital projects—so, to succeed, companies need to deploy new collaborative approaches, capabilities, and tools.
Article
September 19, 2024
Four major barriers stand between emerging climate technologies and adoption at scale. Here’s how earlier pioneering technologies—wind, CCGT, renewables, LNG, and solar—overcame them.
AI, Technology, and Climate Impact — While
emerging technologies offer corporations and governments a much-needed edge in the fight against climate change, because of their energy intensity, they must be deployed thoughtfully. Our experts help organizations harness
AI, climatech, and other powerful capabilities efficiently and sustainably, without exacerbating the issues they are trying to solve. Used strategically, these tools will help our most important institutions reduce emissions, speed the energy transition, and unlock value.
Article
September 9, 2024
To make AI and other transformative technologies broadly accessible and avoid missteps, the private sector must double down on collaboration.
Article
September 17, 2024
Our fourth annual survey on carbon emissions found that the overall pace of decarbonization has slowed—but that leaders are realizing significant financial value.
Article
June 14, 2024
Using an integrated approach and granular understanding of customer needs, companies can harness deep tech and radical innovation to reinvent products that overcome barriers to sustainable choices.
Article
November 8, 2024
AI development is fueling a surge in energy demand, threatening net zero commitments. By working together, CEOs across industries can keep both transformations on track.
Our Latest Thinking from BCG Climate Experts
Highlights from UNGA & NY Climate Week 2024
Video
September 27, 2024
A Deep Dive on the Costs of Decarbonization
Ultimately, decarbonized products won’t cost consumers a big premium. But getting there won’t be cheap or easy, explains BCG’s Rich Lesser.
Video
September 27, 2024
What Will Enable Companies to Move Faster on Climate?
Dow’s Jim Fitterling discusses the role of new markets, collaboration, and innovation in driving technological advances and speeding up climate action.
Video
September 26, 2024
Profits with Purpose
Alex Amouyel discusses how Newman's Own Foundation directs all profits to support children’s programs, donating to initiatives that nourish and uplift kids facing adversity.
Video
November 4, 2024
Partnering with the Private Sector to Meet Humanitarian Needs
The private sector’s scale and reach make it a valued partner in disaster response and other humanitarian efforts, says BCG’s David Young.
Meet Our Climate and Sustainability Experts
