Science-Based Target Adoption Surges 227 Percent as Asia Leads Corporate Climate Action

The number of companies setting both near-term and net-zero science-based targets grew 227 percent between end-2023 and end of Q2 2025, according to the SBTi Trend Tracker published in August 2025. Asia emerged as the primary driver, with China recording a 228 percent increase and India demonstrating strong momentum in prior periods.

SBTi's inaugural Trend Tracker report found that companies setting near-term science-based targets rose 97 percent over the 18 months from end-2023 to end-Q2 2025, while those adopting both near-term and net-zero targets more than tripled with a 227 percent increase. The share of companies holding both target types climbed from 17 percent at end-2023 to 38 percent by end-Q2 2025. China led all markets proportionally, with validated companies rising from 137 to 450—a 228 percent uplift—while Asia as a whole recorded 134 percent growth.

The data challenges a prevailing narrative of corporate climate retreat, demonstrating instead that ambition is accelerating across geographies and sectors. Companies with validated targets or commitments represented 41 percent of global market capitalisation at end-2024, up from 39 percent in 2023, according to analysis by Oliver Wyman. Global market revenue generated by companies with validated targets now stands at 25 percent. The Industrials sector topped adoption rates, accounting for nearly one-third of all companies with targets, followed by Consumer Discretionary and Materials.

Asia's rapid uptake is significant for global supply chains, as many companies in the region carry high scope 3 emissions and are actively encouraging suppliers to set targets in turn. SBTi CEO David Kennedy attributed growth to a clear business case: managing transition risk and capitalising on low-carbon economy opportunities. The trend toward comprehensive climate ambition—covering both near-term reductions and long-term net-zero commitments—signals a structural shift in how companies integrate climate goals into core strategy.

Key figure — 227% increase in companies setting both near-term and net-zero science-based targets