For sustainability, 2025 is the year CEOs turned down the volume—and accelerated action. Sustainability remains a priority. Customers and consumers demand it. Risk and disruption make it essential.

In just five years—the length of a typical CEO planning cycle—2030 targets will come due. Many of the levers to meet those goals are already in motion and delivering tangible business value today. Forward-looking leaders are turning to AI to accelerate that progress, even as they actively manage its risks.

And yet, in our conversations, CEOs tell us today’s progress is not enough. Businesses must do more to help pull the world back within planetary boundaries. 

In this report, Bain experts bring diverse perspectives together with fresh research, sharp insights, and proprietary market intelligence to help business leaders navigate the journey to 2030 and beyond.

The through line is clear: Pragmatic action on sustainability will distinguish tomorrow’s leaders.