COP30: contribution or conversation?
COP30 is the 30th United Nations Climate Change conference, to be held in Belém, Brazil, from 10 to 21 November 2025. It might not be a mainstay of boardrooms agendas but it will bring together world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organisations and civil society to discuss climate change. Apart from talking about efforts to slow global temperature increases, COP30 will focus on new national action plans (NDCs) and progress on COP29 finance pledges. Importantly, of note to boardrooms is that COPs are landmark occasions that drive private sector action.
Our member insights
Climate change is not just a risk, it’s a security threat
COP30 is overflowing with events and themes; but security is not yet on the agenda. Rebecca Harding, CEO of the Centre for Economic Security, and Patricia Rodrigues Jenner, Global Non-executive Director, and Chapter Zero Fellow, challenge this and discuss the critical need for businesses to integrate climate security into their operations and boardroom conversations.
Climate change is not just a risk, it’s a security threat
COPs drive private sector action
Climate COPs, biodiversity COPs and even desertification COPs have brought governments together; they have also given the planet a seat at the table. But let’s not forget that these occasions also drive private sector action, says Chapter Zero Senior Advisor Matt Scott.
COPs drive private sector action
The climate crisis is a health crisis that demands a systemic response
The health impacts of unchecked climate change are not a far-off scenario; they are already taking a toll across the world. That is why health is a key COP30 theme. Beyond the significant human consequences, the systemic disruption this generates represents a threat to businesses that rely on the collective health of people and the planet. Understanding this risk is important for board leaders to ensure their organisations remain fit and resilient.
The climate crisis is a health crisis that demands a systemic responseOur recommended resources
Finance, climate action plans and carbon markets: What to expect from COP30
The Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership’s COP30 briefing sets out the likely negotiations and the elements needed for a successful outcome. These insights can support businesses planning to engage with COP30 and enable non-executive directors to understand the dynamics at play this year and how these may feed into policy outcomes.
COP30 at a Crossroads: What Global Climate Politics Means for Business
This report from Conference Board outlines what to expect at COP30, a summit widely seen an inflection point for the Paris Agreement and for corporate climate strategy. For business leaders, it highlights the policy shifts, financial mechanisms, and market dynamics that will shape strategy, risk management, and long-term growth.
Nature at COP30 – Advocacy Toolkit for Business
This toolkit aims to provide a practical, tailored resource to support businesses in their efforts to speak up for and take actions that scale a more integrated nature and climate agenda in the run-up to and at COP30. It has been developed by the We Mean Business Coalition and Business for Nature, in collaboration with Nature for Climate (N4C), the Climate Champions Team, Global Optimism, Mission 2025, and other stakeholders.
