Global Business Perspectives on Sustainability, Climate and Overall Competitiveness

(Illustrative Only)

Around here we live a little longer. 

79.8 vs. 79 years of life.
Is another .8 years worth
more fresh food?
Investing in one of
our small farms in 
Delta County?

Left: Localy produced 
vs.
Right: Food Inc.

Our environment is changing in many ways. Some developments are positive, such as improvements in fuel efficiency, renewable energy technologies, and innovation that can reduce resource consumption. At the same time, many regions are experiencing greater challenges, including more frequent wildfires, rising temperatures, and other impacts often associated with a changing climate. Food systems also present opportunities for improvement. Increasing access to fresh, locally produced foods and reducing reliance on highly processed foods can benefit both public health and local economies.

Sustainability continues to be an important topic for businesses, governments, and communities. The report below from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development provides a recent perspective on how business leaders view these issues. According to the report, 92% of business leaders believe sustainability will provide a competitive advantage over the next five to ten years. The study also found growing concern about climate-related risks and strong support for stable, predictable policies that encourage investment in clean energy and other sustainable technologies.

Regardless of your personal perspective on sustainability or climate policy, it is valuable to review current literature and understand the range of viewpoints and trends shaping business decision-making around the world.

Business Breakthrough Barometer 2026: Global Business Perspectives on Sustainability, Climate Transition, and Competitiveness

• Business leaders increasingly view sustainability as a competitive advantage, with 92% expecting it to strengthen resilience, reduce risk, and create long-term growth opportunities over the next 5–10 years.
• Nearly 89% of surveyed organizations maintained or increased investments in climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty, demonstrating continued corporate commitment to sustainability.
• A majority (68%) of business leaders believe a disorderly climate transition is becoming more likely, citing policy instability, supply chain disruptions, rising climate-related costs, and geopolitical tensions as major risks.
• Business leaders strongly favor stable and predictable government policies, with 85% supporting strengthened climate policies rather than delayed action, emphasizing that policy certainty encourages long-term investment.
• Companies identified clean energy, electrification, regenerative agriculture, circular economy practices, and resilient infrastructure as the most promising strategies for improving competitiveness while reducing environmental and operational risks.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development. (2026). Business Breakthrough Barometer 2026. https://www.wbcsd.org