Green Tech and Legislation Lead the Charge for Sustainability in 2025

As the world grapples with sustainability challenges, 2025 has seen significant shifts in the forces driving progress. A recent survey by GlobeScan and ERM highlights that while legislation remains a key driver, its perceived importance has waned slightly. This year, 18% of sustainability experts cited legislation as a crucial factor, down from 33% in 2024. Meanwhile, renewable and low-carbon technologies (14%) and nature-based solutions (13%) have solidified their roles in the sustainability landscape. Interestingly, the influence of sustainability disclosure standards has decreased from 19% in 2024 to 12% in 2025, indicating a shift towards tangible, measurable outcomes.

These trends underscore a dynamic shift in how sustainability is being approached globally, with technology and legislative frameworks adapting to meet new challenges and expectations.

Legislation: The Backbone of Sustainable Change

Legislation continues to be a cornerstone in driving sustainable change, setting frameworks that hold businesses accountable and spur them into action. However, the slight dip in its perceived importance suggests a need for regulatory approaches to evolve to stay relevant. This doesn’t imply that legislation is losing its effectiveness; rather, it must adapt to a rapidly changing environment where technological innovation and consumer expectations are advancing at breakneck speed.

Green Technologies Gain Momentum

Renewable and low-carbon technologies are reshaping the energy landscape, offering economic benefits while accelerating decarbonization. Companies investing in these technologies are seeing significant cost reductions and a smaller ecological footprint. However, challenges remain, including high initial costs and the need for supportive infrastructure. Despite these hurdles, the growing adoption of green technologies signals tangible progress and a strong commitment to a greener future.