Most of America’s largest companies have made public climate commitments, but a new report suggests many are falling short of delivering measurable emissions reductions.
According to research from The Conference Board, 84% of S&P 500 companies disclosed at least one climate target in 2025, yet many continue to report little or no progress in reducing emissions across their operations and supply chains.
Ambitious Goals, Limited Progress
The report found that 68% of S&P 500 companies have emissions-reduction targets, while 53% have committed to reaching net-zero emissions.
Despite those commitments, emissions remain stubbornly high in several key categories. Among companies with climate targets:
- 58% reported flat or rising Scope 1 emissions (direct operational emissions) since 2021.
- 40% reported flat or rising Scope 2 emissions (purchased electricity, heating, and cooling), making it the strongest-performing category.
- 62% reported flat or rising Scope 3 emissions, which include emissions generated throughout supply chains, transportation, business travel, product use, and waste.
Because Scope 3 emissions occur outside a company’s direct operations, they remain the most difficult to measure and reduce.
Confidence Is Fading As 2030 Nears
Many sustainability leaders are also uncertain their organizations will meet the goals they have publicly announced. Only 24% of sustainability executives said they were fully confident their companies would achieve their climate targets, while 59% reported mixed or low confidence.
Executives identified several factors putting climate commitments under pressure:
- 55% cited costs, capital allocation, or return on investment.
- 45% pointed to changing regulations.
- 37% said technological readiness remains a challenge.
The findings suggest climate initiatives are increasingly competing for investment alongside priorities such as AI, infrastructure, and other business initiatives.
Climate Goals Extend Beyond Sustainability Teams
The report emphasizes that meeting climate targets now requires participation across organizations, including procurement, finance, HR, facilities, logistics, and operations.
Researchers say companies will need stronger accountability, employee engagement, workforce education, and consistent measurement if they hope to translate public commitments into measurable emissions reductions.
With 2030 climate deadlines approaching, the report concludes that long-term progress will depend less on announcing ambitious goals and more on executing them.
