Navigating net zero: Key considerations for executives

South Pole’s Net Zero Report 2025 is here—packed with fresh insights from 350 financial institutions worldwide. From portfolio decarbonisation to greenhushing and carbon credit strategies, we uncover what’s driving (and stalling) climate action in finance.

Top takeaways:

• The 3 biggest roadblocks to net zero? A lack of clear industry guidance, slow progress from financed companies, and unclear regulations.
• Nearly 80% say companies with Climate Transition Plans (CTPs) are better long-term investments.
• 73% expect their portfolio companies to have a carbon credit strategy.

🔗 Learn more: Download the Net Zero Report 2025

Curious about where the finance sector is heading on climate, and how it could affect your industry? 

Here are a few resources to help you understand the changing landscape: 

• Register for the webinar: Net zero & your business – navigating the changing financial landscape
• Read the blog: Is your net zero strategy keeping you competitive? What financial institutions are signalling to businesses in 2025

What's coming up?

Key events and webinars you don't want to miss out on:

7 May: BVCM & Neutralization — Why early action matters

In the 2nd webinar of our SBTi Net Zero Consultation — What Businesses Need to Know Now series, we'll explore what these changes mean for corporate climate strategies and how companies can proactively build a high-quality carbon credit portfolio that aligns with evolving expectations.

Register here

13 May: Net zero & your business – navigating the changing financial landscape

Financial institutions are at the forefront of the net zero transition. But how far have they come? What challenges remain? And what does this mean for companies seeking capital and partnerships in a changing environment?

Register here

28 May: Climate Transition Plans — New Expectations

In the 3rd webinar of our SBTi Net Zero Consultation — What Businesses Need to Know Now series, we'll break down the key elements of the draft guidance, how the SBTi expects companies to apply them, and explore the strategic opportunity Climate Transition Plans offer.

Register here

Five things to read this week

Short on time? Here are 5 must-read articles to keep up with the climate industry:

1. Carbon Herald - SBTi Opens Door To Carbon Removal, Releases Net-Zero Standard For Public Consultation

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has released a draft of its Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0 for public consultation, proposing the inclusion of carbon dioxide removals to address residual emissions in corporate net-zero strategies.

2. Eco-Business - COP30 is in good hands with Brazil: Christiana Figueres

Christiana Figueres expresses confidence in Brazil's leadership for COP30, highlighting the country's potential to drive meaningful climate action and foster inclusive dialogue.

3. Politico - EU exploring weaker 2040 climate goal

The European Commission is considering introducing flexibilities, such as international carbon credits and sector-specific emissions targets, to its proposed 90% emissions reduction target by 2040 to address political and industrial concerns.

4. Sustainable Views - UK launches consultation to ‘build trust and confidence’ in VCMs

The UK government has initiated a consultation aimed at enhancing transparency and credibility in voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) to bolster investor and public trust.

5. Economic Times - Durable carbon dioxide removals: The missing linchpin of carbon market strategy in India

The article argues that integrating durable carbon dioxide removal solutions is essential for strengthening India's carbon market strategy and achieving long-term global climate goals.

Want to read more? Subscribe to our full newsletter.