COP29: The direction of travel for thought leadership on climate

The 29th UN Climate Change Conference, or COP29 in media shorthand, which wrapped up in Baku, the Azerbaijani capital, struggled to retain forward momentum amid negative headlines around attendance, fossil fuel transition, geopolitical uncertainty, and a lack of consensus on climate finance goals. Nevertheless, some beacons of progress shone through the frustration.

Here are four takeaways that we expect to see filtering through to thought leadership campaigns in the coming months.

1. Carbon market breakthrough looks set to mobilise private climate finance

A major leap forward came on day one, when negotiators approved a UN-led international carbon crediting framework under Article 6.4. The new standards will inject much-needed integrity into carbon market trading and instil investors with renewed confidence.  Financial institutions have an opportunity to speak with an authoritative voice in this developing field, boosting their green credentials and catalysing private sector participation. Thought leadership discussions will focus on finance innovation, future trends and opportunities, and the pivotal role that carbon markets can play in helping companies meet ambitious net zero targets.

2. Amid geopolitical uncertainty, the push for renewable energy continues

In a collective corporate push in the run-up to the summit, 260 businesses signed an open letter calling for clear and robust policies to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels. Government leaders have responded with the ‘No New Coal’ initiative, launched at COP29 by 25 nations and the EU, demonstrating renewed commitment to a cleaner future energy supply.

This level of engagement from both public and private sectors indicates a desire to find innovative and thoughtful approaches to the challenge. Energy transition 2.0 topics up for discussion will include new finance or trading models, AI and tech innovation, the circular energy economy, and the potential impact of digital twin technology.

3. Climate adaptation: a new era for business resilience

As unprecedented climate events rage around the world, climate resilience will be a huge topic for thought leadership in 2025. The Resilience Hub at COP29 emphasised the need for businesses across all industries to formulate robust climate adaptation strategies, with some urgency.

Business leaders will seek thought leadership guidance on topics ranging from the future of business continuity and adaptation financing to urban planning and climate-resilient agriculture. 

4. Super pollutants in the spotlight: cutting carbon footprint in 2025

According to the UN’s Eye on Methane report, launched at COP29, cutting methane emissions is the key to slowing global temperature rise and buying time for decarbonisation to come into play. The idea is gaining traction: over 30 countries endorsed a declaration of intent to reduce methane emissions from organic waste, while the European Commission introduced a new Methane Abatement Partnership Roadmap.

With so much attention on methane and other non-CO₂ greenhouse gases, we expect thought leadership to look beyond decarbonization next year. Businesses will need to better understand the role that demethanation strategies will play on the road to net zero, as well as the importance of transparent reporting, and the influence of shifting consumer expectations.  

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As COP29 fades from the headlines, the real work begins. The conference may not have delivered sweeping agreements, but it has set the stage for critical conversations that will shape climate thought leadership in the months and years ahead. Whether it’s mobilising private finance through carbon markets, innovating for a renewable future, building climate resilience, or tackling super pollutants, the direction of travel is clear: businesses and leaders must act decisively with insight and urgency.