Global Businesses Highlight Climate Action Benefits at COP30 with 'Return on Action'

Global Businesses Highlight Climate Action Benefits at COP30

At the COP30 negotiations held in Belém, Brazil, on November 12, 2025, an astonishing number of companies from around the world united to demonstrate the tangible benefits of corporate climate leadership under the initiative dubbed the 'Return on Action.' This global mobilization brought to light real-world examples showcasing how climate action can create jobs, ensure energy security, and spur economic growth.

During this pivotal 24-hour event, participants shared data, compelling case studies, and inspiring stories, all emphasizing that embracing climate action is not just an ethical choice but a financially viable and strategic business approach. The event was coordinated by the We Mean Business Coalition in collaboration with the Global Renewables Alliance, supported further by various partners, including the Mission Possible Partnership and the Energy Efficiency Movement.

María Mendiluce, CEO of the We Mean Business Coalition, remarked, "Businesses across every sector are showing that climate action delivers measurable benefits—from lower costs to stronger, more resilient supply chains—that enhance competitiveness. Companies want to highlight what is happening today in the real economy and the expansive opportunities available for nations and businesses willing to accelerate their transition towards clean energy."

The initiative served as a powerful reminder of the momentum behind business climate action while urging governments to create predictable policy frameworks that can catalyze faster progress toward a net-zero and nature-positive economy. It underlined the message that climate strategies need not be burdensome; they can align perfectly with business interests, driving innovation, efficiency, and ultimately, profitability.

Throughout the day, participating companies used the hashtag #JobsSecurityGrowth to share their climate success stories. One showcased initiative involved Nordic companies, including Alfa Laval, SSAB, and Outokumpu. They came together to innovate a heat exchanger made with low-emission carbon steel and stainless steel, achieving significant reductions in embedded CO2. This collaboration illustrates not only the potential of low-carbon manufacturing to create jobs but also the value of partnerships between suppliers and manufacturers in the quest for sustainability.

The significance of these actions cannot be overstated. The event not only highlighted the resolve of the business community to take tangible climate action but emphasized a collective readiness to prioritize climate considerations as a fundamental aspect of business operations.

As the COP30 discussions unfold, it is evident that the narrative around climate action is shifting, with corporations taking a leading role in responding to the climate crisis. The message is clear: when businesses commit to sustainability, they do not just contribute to the environment—they also drive economic resilience and growth.

The We Mean Business Coalition works with some of the world’s most influential companies, encompassing seven nonprofit organizations united in their mission to catalyze transformative business and policy actions aimed at halving emissions by 2030 and leading the charge toward a more sustainable economy. By sharing their experiences and successes, these companies are not only promoting their efforts but encouraging others to follow suit and embrace the burgeoning clean economy.

The outcomes of COP30 signal a hopeful step for both the planet and the business community. With companies adhering to the principles of sustainable practices, there lies a significant opportunity to forge a future defined by climate responsibility, economic viability, and shared growth.