2024, a year of challenges - 2025, time to remobilize
2024 to 2025: getting out of the clouds
2024 will go down in history as a pivotal year for environmental issues. As the climate and ecological crisis continues to intensify, the year has shown signs of progress but also incredible setbacks. These contrasts illustrate the complexity of a green transition that is gradually taking root as a genuine societal project.
The Key Events of 2024: successes and challenges
A tense Climate COP29
Held in Dubai, COP29 was a turning point. For the first time, firm commitments were made by several states to gradually phase out fossil fuels, although these commitments remain largely insufficient. The discussions were marked by persistent tensions over funding the transition for countries in the Global South, with a loss and damage fund that remains far from materializing.
COP16 on biodiversity in Cali: renewed promises
Progress included the creation of a body representing Indigenous peoples and the establishment of the “Cali Fund,” a new global mechanism to ensure the equitable sharing of genetic resources derived from biodiversity. However, the lack of funding for the Global South jeopardizes these advances, particularly in regions facing severe deforestation.
Failures and setbacks
2024 was also marked by a decline in environmental concerns among the public. Escalating geopolitical tensions and conflicts, notably in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, have pushed ecological issues to the back burner.
Several large companies announced a retreat from their ecological commitments. For example, Coca-Cola lowered its goal for recycled content in its packaging from 50% to 35-40% by 2035 and abandoned its ambition to serve 25% of its beverages in reusable packaging by 2030.
On the climate front, after several banks made similar moves in 2024, companies like Belfius in Belgium also withdrew their targets from SBTI certification. And it’s not surprising—many companies are just beginning to grasp the sacrifices required by ambitious environmental trajectories. On the government front, the days when heads of state rallied after Trump’s first election with a “Make the Planet Great Again” initiative—still eagerly awaited—feel like a distant memory. The new U.S. administration will do everything it can to stall ongoing revolutions, and it’s not even trying to hide it.
In the realm of justice, setbacks are also evident: in November 2024, the Hague Court of Appeal overturned a 2021 decision requiring Shell to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. This is a significant rollback in efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, a stark reminder that nothing is guaranteed.
Even in the legal arena, there were setbacks: in November 2024, the Hague Court of Appeal overturned a 2021 decision that required Shell to reduce CO₂ emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. This represents a major setback in efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and a reminder that nothing is guaranteed.
These examples highlight the challenges companies face in pursuing their environmental objectives during a time of increasing uncertainty. They also underscore the need for committed actors to accelerate bold and ambitious initiatives to tip the balance in the right direction.
These setbacks show that green progress is real
Despite these apparent failures, these obstacles are paradoxically and unequivocally signs that change is happening. Existing systems naturally resist profound transformations, and this resistance is an indicator: environmentalism, once seen as utopian, is gradually becoming a central societal project.
2025: The Key Challenges
The year 2025 opens with major challenges. Let’s be honest—governments, companies, and organizations will continue to backslide. But others will choose to place ecological progress at the heart of their strategies. What will make the difference? The commitment of individuals and the deep conviction that this is the right thing to do.
To accelerate action, everyone has a role to play within their organization:
Employees can drive change through their initiatives, whether by mobilizing teams or proposing concrete projects with measurable ecological value. We’ve seen this in the large-scale awareness campaigns we’ve organized: numerous initiatives at all levels have emerged from these collaborative methods.
Managers must act as enablers and integrate sustainability into performance objectives. Many organizations we work with have decided to include environmental criteria in managerial bonuses.
Leaders hold the key responsibility of setting bold visions and investing in sustainable choices.
How Caristeo Supports You
At Caristeo, we believe the green transition is a unique opportunity to transform businesses and help invent the society of tomorrow. We offer concrete solutions to help you take action:
- Worldwide training programs: deploy massively climate and environmental training programs
- CSRD Support: Leverage new ESG reporting regulations to stand out and make your green ambitions a benchmark in your sector.
- IMPACT Program: Take a step back with your leadership team to co-create an ambitious environmental strategy.
Let’s Act Together
2025 must be the year of acceleration.
The progress of 2024 shows that change is possible, but urgency demands we act faster. Let’s join forces to build a sustainable future. Contact us to learn how we can support you in your green transition.