78 Percent of Business Leaders Continue Pursuing Net Zero Despite Political Uncertainty

A survey of more than 7,000 business leaders across G7 countries by BSI found that 78% will continue pursuing net zero regardless of political uncertainty because it is good for business, while 83% remain committed to achieving net zero by their national target. However, 61% of respondents reported changing how they communicate sustainability initiatives, shifting messaging away from environmental goals toward resilience and risk mitigation.

The BSI G7 Net Zero Temperature Check survey found that 69% of respondents had increased their level of net zero action over the past 12 months, compared with only 4% reporting a decrease. Looking ahead, 38% anticipated increasing investment in net zero over the next 12 months. Business leaders cited commercial upside as a key driver, with 75% agreeing net zero is important for future business resilience, 74% viewing the risks of not transitioning as greater than transitioning risks, and 73% seeing continued climate action as a competitive advantage if competitors scale back.

Despite broad commitment, the survey confirmed that political uncertainty is affecting many companies' planning and communication strategies. Thirty-two percent had revised their net zero plans and 33% had reevaluated targets, with 13% dropping targets altogether. Seventy-six percent said policy uncertainty makes it difficult to invest confidently, and an equal share said they will continue reducing emissions but place less emphasis on net zero targets due to political pressure. Cost, lack of financing for green technology, and skills gaps were cited as the top obstacles to progress.

BSI CEO Susan Taylor Martin highlighted the role of energy security concerns and renewable energy in reinforcing the business case for climate action, noting that recent geopolitical events have underscored the value of a resilience mindset. For Indian companies targeting ESG-driven export markets in Europe and North America, the survey signals that corporate buyer sustainability requirements remain strong despite messaging changes, and that supply chain decarbonization expectations from customers and financial counterparties continue to drive action regardless of headline political shifts.

Key figure — 78% of surveyed business leaders continue pursuing net zero regardless of political uncertainty