New research shows an overwhelming majority of UK organisations will invest more in environmental action in 2026 in order to prepare for a changing planet.
More than half of UK organisations involved in Capgemini’s study, A world in balance 2025: Unlocking resilience and long-term value through environmental action, said they felt underprepared for climate change. However, 82% are planning to increase spending on sustainability in a bid to future proof.
This is up 8 points on the previous year’s report. The latest iteration involves 2,146 executives from 716 organisations currently operating in Great Britain.
While this suggests that leaders are becoming more aware of how urgent the situation is becoming, 69% said their investments would be driven by regulatory changes. This is marginally more than were compelled by the need to boost or maintain business profitability, with 72% believing stakeholder trust and brand reputation improved with a better record on green issues. In comparison, less than half said they were pushed by wider responsibility to mitigate climate change.
‘Although sustainability regulations are putting less pressure on organizations, business leaders still see sustainability as a core driver of business value. However, with global uncertainty and constrained budgets, many companies are facing a reality check,’ said Cyril Garcia, Head of Global Sustainability Services and Corporate Responsibility, and Group Executive Board Member at Capgemini.
‘With climate risks increasingly high on the corporate agenda, business leaders need to adopt a pragmatic, operational approach and urgently implement concrete, financed transition and adaptation measures,’ she continued. ‘This will not only build true resilience, but also fuel innovation and competitiveness.’
Image: Charles Forerunner / Unsplash
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