In 2026, climate action refocused on measurable outcomes

Capgemini’s research shows that businesses are increasingly focusing on resilience. How can companies turn this focus into real action?

There certainly is momentum for greater resilience. 68% of executives say their company actively prioritizes climate adaptation, with 64% noting that ensuring access to energy and critical resources was a key driver for sustainability investments.

The problem remains in the readiness gap. Just 15% of organizations have quantified the full financial impact of climate disruption on their business, and only 27% have assessed those risks across the value chain. Without knowing how water scarcity, energy insecurity, material constraints, and climate disruption can impact assets and operations, it’s difficult for businesses to plan.

This is where turning resilience into action starts. Companies need to quantify their financial exposure to climate and resource risks, then assign clear accountability across functions. This will enable them to integrate resilience into operational and investment decisions, strengthen scenario planning, and boost visibility across the value chain.

What are the biggest barriers stopping businesses from turning their sustainability commitments into implementation?

The overarching need is to translate ambition into coordinated execution at scale, which is proving challenging. In 2026, 11% of companies have fallen behind on their net-zero goals, with 29% of organizations postponing them outright.

When it comes to why, the first and most common issue is access to data. Companies need reliable, connected data from the extended value chain to fully analyze their environmental impact. But 76% of organizations don’t receive that data, particularly from suppliers.

The second issue is accountability. Climate governance is often spread across teams in sustainability, operations, finance, technology, risk, and procurement. Only 38% of organizations have dedicated governance and accountability structures for climate adaptation.

Finally, there is the tools gap. To successfully measure, monitor, and report on climate impact, organizations need technological support. But only 28% of organizations have deployed climate-risk analytics tools.

How can technology and better data help businesses move faster from climate ambition to action?

Interestingly, the core technology companies are deploying to help with climate action is AI. 64% of executives told us they were using AI to advance sustainability initiatives, including operational efficiency, sustainable production, risk management, and reporting.

Of course, organizations recognize the environmental impact of AI, and the need to measure and manage the technology’s environmental footprint. Still, 71% of executives believe that the benefits of working with AI to make faster, better sustainability decisions will outweigh potential climate impacts.

The report shows that many businesses are seeing financial returns from sustainability. How can leaders build a stronger business case for climate action?

The strongest case is in the numbers, where sustainability is a demonstrable source of resilience, efficiency, and growth. 69% of executives reported positive ROI from sustainability initiatives in 2026; 67% saw reduced operating costs; 68% had greater customer retention; and 74% reported stronger brand value. This clearly highlights how sustainability delivers both cost savings and a competitive advantage.

Another successful approach comes from considering the opposite side of the coin: the risks associated with delaying climate action. Teams that can measure the cost of inaction, and tie sustainability initiatives to specific, measurable business outcomes, will have leadership attention in any company.

What needs to happen next to accelerate climate action across business, and where can collaboration make the biggest difference?

No single organization can address climate risk, water scarcity, energy security, or circularity on their own. Action will come with greater collaboration across the value chain, through industry groups, and with policymakers and regulators. Businesses need common data standards and increased transparency, opportunities to learn from their peers, and clear regulatory direction to support transition pathways.

For more insights on sustainability business trends click here to download the 5th edition of the Capgemini Research Institute’s A world in balance 2026: The resilience reset.