Looking ahead: how 2025 could revive global climate action after a challenging year

The year 2024 has been marked by significant challenges for the global climate movement, ranging from political setbacks to faltering corporate commitments and divisive international negotiations. However, 2025 could offer an opportunity to revive momentum and pave a more hopeful path toward a sustainable future.

Green parties across Europe experienced electoral losses, including in Belgium. The trend was emblematic of waning public support for environmental policies amidst economic uncertainty. This political shift was mirrored by corporate backtracking: ArcelorMittal, one of the world’s largest steel producers, delayed green investments in Europe, including a billion-euro decarbonization project in Ghent. Such actions signal growing industry concerns over regulatory uncertainty and rising costs.

The global stage provided no respite. The UN Climate Conference (COP29) in Baku ended with lukewarm commitments. Developing nations left frustrated over insufficient financial support from their wealthier counterparts. It once again highlighted the lack of consensus on how to meet global climate goals. The most notable outcome of COP29 in Baku was that negotiators didn’t completely give up. 

As the world looks toward COP30 in Brazil next year, it is clear that climate action is entering a new and uncertain phase. What will be the way forward? How can climate policy gain momentum again? With global emissions still rising and climate impacts intensifying, the world must treat 2025 as a make-or-break year. 

Enforcing commitment

This means nations have to make work of setting binding targets. COP30 must deliver enforceable commitments to phase out fossil fuels and scale renewable energy. Voluntary commitments have proven insufficient. Binding agreements must include penalties for non-compliance and trade-based incentives to ensure accountability. International carbon markets, for example, modelled on the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), could drive emissions reductions while reinvesting revenue in renewable energy for developing nations.

To fund the energy transition, trillions will be required. This will demand innovative finance solutions. Climate and green bonds (already effective for renewable projects such as reforestation and coral reef protection) could bring respite. They should, however, be scaled globally. Debt-for-climate swaps could further relieve developing countries’ financial burdens while funding clean energy. Public-private partnerships, incentivised by tax breaks and stable regulations, can unlock corporate investments in renewables and infrastructure.

Public engagement

This all will only be possible if the COP process itself will be reformed. Corporate influence must be limited, with attendance restricted to companies with credible net-zero strategies. Independent monitoring mechanisms can hold nations and corporations accountable by tracking emissions and policy progress transparently. Giving developing nations a stronger voice in negotiations will further ensure fairer outcomes. 

To generate the political will for these changes, public engagement will be key. Activists and civil society groups must continue to hold governments accountable and reframe climate action as solutions for social issues like job creation, energy security and economic growth. Are they still motivated and willing enough? 

(JPO)

^{A climate march in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}