Over $1 trillion for climate investment could be unlocked according to new analysis of 2,000 companies by WBA

Amsterdam, 13th January 2026The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) today announced findings from its most comprehensive ever research, revealing that at least $1.3 trillion could be mobilised into low carbon investments to support the transition to zero emissions by the world’s most influential companies. This represents roughly 30% of the annual clean-energy investment needed towards the net-zero pathway, an essential driver of long-term business resilience and global climate stability. 

The global analysis from WBA suggests that while high levels of spending on low-carbon technologies remain rare, 25% of companies across multiple industries are now reporting low-carbon investments, with many allocating well above the 7% median share of total capital expenditure. These companies are investing in existing solutions such as electrified transport, green ammonia and fertilisers, battery production, regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and low-carbon construction materials. In addition, WBA found examples of leading companies across 19 industries and a broad set of countries that are allocating 30% specifically to climate solutions. They have effectively moved investments away from high-emission activities such as developing new combustion engines or carbon-intensive construction.

This demonstrates that meaningful progress is achievable using investment approaches that already exist and can be adopted across regions and markets. Other companies replicating and scaling this emerging shift away from carbon-intensive technologies could mobilise at least $1.3 trillion of investment for the transition to clean energy. This would have a major, direct impact on their own progress toward 1.5 °C-aligned pathways, and collectively help the world limit the temporary overshoot of 1.5 °C.

Among the world’s 2,000 most influential companies, representing $53 trillion in revenues and more than 55% of global emissions, the need for corporate investment in climate action has never been more urgent. While WBA’s analysis found that investment in low carbon solutions is taking place, it also found that only 18% are reducing their operational emissions at the pace required to align with their 1.5°C sectoral pathways.

This shortfall represents a critical missed opportunity: delaying action now means exponentially steeper and costlier reductions will be needed later due to the cumulative nature of emissions.

These findings form part of WBA’s global analysis of 2,000 companies, including Alibaba and Volkswagen, selected for their extensive footprint, sector dominance, supply-chain interconnectedness, control of critical systems, and influence in global governance. Covering issues related to climate, cost of living, artificial intelligence, supply chains and biodiversity, this is the first time companies from all major sectors have been evaluated and ranked at this scale. The result is the most detailed cross-sector picture to date of how the private sector is shaping outcomes for people and the planet, marking a significant milestone in transparency and accountability for global business.

Gerbrand Haverkamp, Executive Director of the World Benchmarking Alliance, said:

“Our research shows a striking diversity in performance: while some companies are making impressive progress, too many continue to fall behind. In the midst of rising climate impacts, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, companies still have a choice in how they respond. Our data makes it clear that progress is possible, and a growing group of companies are proving that meaningful action can be taken today. But we also see signs of hesitation, with some companies backsliding or stagnating. That is why it is essential to look beyond corporate commitments and focus on actual emissions and investments.”

World’s largest companies overlooking their risks and opportunities  in nature

The world’s 2,000 most influential companies employ 107 million people directly, and a further 550 million within their value and supply chains. Their collective power and influence is undisputed. Encouragingly, sustainability oversight has moved decisively into the boardroom, with 85% of businesses assessed within the biodiversity benchmark assigning responsibility for sustainability to senior leadership. This marks a major step in placing climate and nature considerations in the hands of those with the authority to accelerate investment and action. 

However, this progress contrasts sharply with a limited understanding of biodiversity dependencies and risks. Among the world’s 750 biggest companies in high-impact sectors such as food, mining and paper, only 14% measure their dependence on ecosystem services. Around 34% show evidence of taking steps to manage nature-related risks, such as biodiversity assessments, water-re-use systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, regenerative agriculture or watershed restoration. Yet only 9% quantify how these risks could affect their operations, finances or reputation, and just 4% assess the opportunities that healthier ecosystems could unlock.

WBA’s data makes one reality unmistakably clear: the pathway to a sustainable future relies on business playing a central role in driving global systems change. There are proven solutions, effective mechanisms, and growing momentum among some leading businesses, which can form the roadmap. Decisive action and scaled investment is now urgent from all of the world’s most powerful, biggest, and influential companies.

Full findings from the World Benchmarking Alliance can be accessed here covering:

• Climate: Financing the transition to net zero and how to reduce emission caused by climate change.
• Cost of living: Living wages and corporate and policy choices.
• Artificial intelligence: Tech giants and human rights in an AI corporate world.
• Supply chains: Corporate risks in supply chains.
• Biodiversity: Nature’s role in powering business.

ENDS