Fortune 100 Companies Boost Participation at COP30 Despite Political Shifts

The COP30 summit in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025, saw a measurable increase in the presence of Fortune 100 companies compared to the previous year’s COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. A provisional list of attendees from the United Nations revealed that 60 representatives from Fortune 100 firms attended the summit in Belem, .

This trend suggests that, despite a shift in the U.S. government's stance on climate policy, major American corporations continue to prioritize active engagement in international climate discussions. , deputy secretary general for policy at the International Chamber of Commerce, noted that there had been no significant decline in corporate involvement in climate policy over the year, which was evident from the attendance figures.

Industry leaders emphasized the financial and operational risks posed by climate change, citing disruptions to global supply chains and profits due to extreme weather events. Many executives stated that withdrawing from the climate conversation was not a viable option. PepsiCo’s Chief Sustainability Officer, , highlighted that climate resilience helps secure supply chains and supports long-term profitability, particularly in agriculture-dependent industries.

Growing Business Motivation

Corporate representatives at COP30 underscored that climate action is increasingly seen as a business imperative. With global supply chains more vulnerable than ever to environmental shocks, companies are recognizing the need to integrate sustainability into core strategies. This shift is not just about compliance or public relations but is being driven by practical concerns such as production continuity and cost management.

The attendance figures also included key firms from the technology, energy, and automotive sectors. Microsoft, Google, Occidental Petroleum, General Motors, and Citigroup all had representatives at the summit. The presence of these firms signals a broad-based corporate commitment to climate dialogue, despite the uncertain political landscape in Washington.

COP30 and the Climate Finance Framework

COP30 saw the adoption of a new global , which includes a commitment to tripling the amount of money allocated to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change. This outcome was framed as a positive step forward, even though the final agreement avoided explicitly addressing the role of fossil fuels in climate change.

The Brazilian presidency at COP30 emphasized and launched several high-profile initiatives, including a fund to protect tropical forests. The summit also saw the announcement of a two-year working program on climate finance, co-led by both developed and developing nations. These developments were viewed as significant progress, albeit with lingering concerns about the lack of a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels.

Comparisons to Baku

While Baku had set a high standard with its well-organized and widely attended COP29, COP30 in Belem was marked by both logistical and political challenges. A major fire at one of the pavilions disrupted proceedings, and political tensions—highlighted by a public critique of the conference from a European leader—added to the uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, the summit achieved tangible outcomes, including a commitment to accelerate climate finance mobilization and a renewed focus on adaptation efforts. The event also demonstrated the resilience of global climate diplomacy in the face of geopolitical and environmental turbulence.

Looking ahead, the increase in Fortune 100 participation at COP30 reflects a broader trend of corporate climate leadership that appears to be continuing regardless of shifts in political rhetoric. As the climate agenda moves into a new phase, companies are likely to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the global response to climate change.