Business call to action for ambitious and investible NDCs
To protect communities, businesses and economies from growing climate impacts, we need to address the primary causes of dangerous global heating: the burning of fossil fuels and continued degradation of nature. The new national climate plans governments have agreed to deliver by September 2025 can help address these challenges while scaling clean energy that is affordable, reliable and safe, and building nature-positive economies.
Through the Coalition’s Call to Action and country-specific reports and advocacy, leading businesses are urging governments to create ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs) backed by clear targets, policies, and timelines. This can create a virtuous circle of fast-flowing investment, action, and ratcheted ambition – to accelerate the transition to a resilient and prosperous future.
Business call to action for ambitious and investible NDCs
Setting a strong 2035 target isn’t just the right climate policy – it’s the smart economic choice. It’s encouraging that the Government is open to a stronger target, which is critical if Australia is going to stay competitive and lead in green energy and green commodities. Deloitte modelling shows a 75% emissions reduction target could deliver an extra $370 billion in GDP by 2035 and support tens of thousands of jobs each year. Australia cannot afford to settle for mediocrity. A bold target will show investors that we’re serious about capitalising on the global demand for decarbonised products and green energy.
Dino Otranto, Fortescue Metals and Operations CEO
Atlassian was founded on the belief that no challenge can be solved alone. Building a more resilient future requires all of us—business, government, and communities—working together. That’s why we’re backing Australia in setting a science-aligned target of at least 75% emissions reduction by 2035. Achieving this target will unlock new industries, create jobs, drive innovation, and build a stable market for long-term renewable energy investment—supporting businesses across Australia, including Atlassian, in reaching their Net Zero goals.
Jessica Hyman, Chief Sustainability Officer at Atlassian
Australia’s NDC is vital to building the resilient, sustainable supply chains, manufacturing and distribution networks Unilever depends on.
Brooke Sprott , Head of Sustainable Business and Communications – Unilever ANZ
Ambitious and investible NDCs unlock revenue by enabling businesses - empowered by ERP solutions - to drive sustainable growth, attract eco-conscious customers, and meet demand for greener products
Sophia Mendelsohn, Chief Sustainability and Commercial Officer, SAP
Corporates expect Governments to give strong market signals by committing to ambitious economy-wide targets in a path away from fossil fuels that promotes an accelerated uptake of renewables.
Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade, CEO of EDP and EDPR
Increased NDC ambition aligned with a 1.5C scenario, and stronger links between NDC targets and robust enabling policies are essential to harness the key role of private sector in investing and deploying climate solutions across all sectors (renewables, networks, heat pumps, electric vehicles…)
Gonzalo Sáenz de Miera, Global Director of Climate Change and Alliances, Iberdrola
To decarbonize the global economy, dialogue across the value chain is essential. For Signify, energy efficiency is the "first fuel'' in the transition to net zero and requires collective alignment between the private and public sectors, which NDCs encourage.
Mario Giordano, Global Head of Public & Government, Signify
Strong and specific NDCs send important business investment signals, driving global ambition.
Fleming Voetmann, Vice President of External Relations & Sustainability, VELUX Group
Bold and ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) lay the foundation for a flourishing net-zero economy, fostering innovation and unlocking unparalleled investment potential in renewable energy.
Deepak Thakur, Managing Director & CEO, Mahindra Susten
With five years to go for us to limit global warming to below 1.5° C we are optimistic that we can deliver to the Paris Agreement. We are making progress and to speed up we need to urgently scale climate actions with impact. Governments need to speed up and drive the renewable energy transition, setting clear objectives in their climate plans to enable businesses to accelerate action and transition away from fossil fuels.
Jesper Brodin, CEO, Ingka Group I IKEA
Country reports
Working with our global network of partners, the Coalition is supporting and amplifying business advocacy for ambitious and investible NDCs in key geographies.
Japan's NDC: An opportunity to boost growth, security and competitiveness
As one of the world’s largest advanced economies and a major manufacturing and export hub, Japan’s choices on energy and industrial policy will resonate far beyond its borders. The global transition to clean energy is reshaping trade, investment, and competitiveness and countries that move fastest will capture the benefits of growth, innovation, and resilience in a low-carbon world.
We Mean Business Coalition is proud to partner with the Japan Climate Initiative on this report, highlighting how an ambitious and investible NDC can help shape a cleaner, more prosperous future for Japanese businesses and people.
Japan's NDC: An opportunity to boost growth, security and competitiveness
How business can drive delivery of Indonesia’s 2035 NDC
With abundant renewable resources, rich natural capital, and a strong industrial base, Indonesia stands at a historic crossroads — with the opportunity to drive growth and job creation through a just, orderly transition to net zero by 2060.
This briefing, from the Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development and the We Mean Business Coalition, underscores the vital role of business in delivering Indonesia’s 2035 NDC. By aligning incentives, improving coordination across ministries, and accelerating renewable energy access, Indonesia can transform its economy, reduce fossil fuel vulnerability, and position itself as a regional clean technology leader.
How business can drive delivery of Indonesia’s 2035 NDC
South Africa’s next NDC: An opportunity to boost industrial competitiveness and attract investment
As Africa’s largest economy, South Africa’s next NDC will carry significance far beyond its borders. Its climate pathway will shape investor confidence, regional development, and export competitiveness. A credible, ambitious, and investible NDC can provide businesses with the long-term certainty needed to scale clean technologies and strengthen climate resilience.
This briefing, developed by the We Mean Business Coalition with the National Business Initiative, draws on local business insights to outline practical, high-ambition pathways for South Africa’s NDC. It forms part of a global series designed to align policy ambition with private-sector capabilities — delivering a more resilient, prosperous, and competitive future.
South Africa’s next NDC: An opportunity to boost industrial competitiveness and attract investment
Driving economic growth: How the UK’s climate targets unlock business action and investment
The UK’s 2035 NDC set a new global benchmark for ambition when announced in 2024, building on the country’s leadership as the first in the world to establish a legally binding framework for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
The priority now is implementation — with clear direction and smart policies to unlock business investment and deliver secure, affordable clean energy for all. The new Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan recognises this need and highlights the critical role of business in meeting the UK’s climate targets.
This report, from the We Mean Business Coalition and the UK Corporate Leaders Group, calls for government and business to work together to deliver emissions reductions that keep the UK on track to achieve its goals.
Driving economic growth: How the UK’s climate targets unlock business action and investment
How South Korea’s 2035 NDC can drive private sector action and investment
South Korea’s next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) comes at a pivotal moment. With its economy highly dependent on manufacturing and exports, the country faces an important strategic choice: whether to lead or lag as global markets shift toward low-carbon production and trade.
Solutions for Our Climate and We Mean Business Coalition are proud to present this briefing, which highlights how an ambitious and investible NDC for 2035 can drive private sector action and investment in South Korea.
How South Korea’s 2035 NDC can drive private sector action and investment
Australia’s next NDC: Aligning climate ambition with economic growth
Australia’s 2035 NDC is a pivotal opportunity to align climate ambition with economic transformation. A science-aligned target of at least 75% below 2005 levels, backed by a clear Net Zero Plan, would drive prosperity, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and position Australia as a clean energy leader.
Better Futures Australia, We Mean Business Coalition, and the Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia are calling for a robust 2035 NDC, underpinned by stable policy and clear delivery mechanisms, to give business the certainty to invest in people, infrastructure and the clean energy transition.
Australia’s next NDC: Aligning climate ambition with economic growth
India’s next NDC: An opportunity for growth and global leadership
The update to India’s NDC offers an opportunity to develop a 2035 roadmap that signals ambition, attracts investment, and future-proofs the economy from climate risks. A well-crafted NDC can be a strategic tool for India to advance inclusive, low-carbon and nature-positive economic growth; enhance energy security; and boost competitiveness and resilience in a rapidly evolving global economy.
With strategic input from industry stakeholders, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the We Mean Business Coalition have developed recommendations for how the Indian government can ensure India’s new NDC drives enhanced business action and investment in climate action.
India’s next NDC: An opportunity for growth and global leadership
How the EU’s next NDC can strengthen energy security and industrial competitiveness
As the EU prepares to submit its next NDC, it has a critical opportunity to align climate ambition with industrial strategy and energy resilience. European businesses are ready to scale clean technologies, modernize supply chains, and lead in global markets, but they need clear targets and stable policies.
This report, a collaboration between We Mean Business Coalition and the Corporate Leaders Group Europe (CLG Europe), calls for policymakers and businesses to work together to deliver a NDC that not only puts the EU on track to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, but is actionable and investible.
How the EU’s next NDC can strengthen energy security and industrial competitiveness
How Brazil’s new NDC can drive private sector investment in climate action
As COP30 host and one of the first countries to submit a new NDC for 2035, Brazil is pushing the global climate agenda forward and establishing itself as a leader. Its new NDC, announced at COP29, sets a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 59–67% by 2035 from 2005 levels. This marks a step up in ambition from its existing 2030 target.
Private sector engagement is crucial to achieving this goal. As Brazil finalises the Climate Plan (Plano Clima) that will deliver on its NDC, CEBDS, in collaboration with We Mean Business Coalition, has developed recommendations for how the government can drive enhanced private sector action.
How Brazil’s new NDC can drive private sector investment in climate action
Turning promises into progress
World leaders made a historic commitment at COP28 to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy solutions. Business is looking for robust policy commitments for how this will be brought into reality in national policies and targets to be reflected in countries’ NDCs.
NDCs matter for businesses because they signal the opportunities, risks, and direction of travel of the policy environment in which companies operate. Policy certainty enables businesses to invest in clean energy solutions that help boost energy security, stability and affordability, and to develop affordable and reliable near-term alternatives to fossil fuels across operations and supply chains.
Businesses matter for NDCs because they are working toward their clean energy goals and reducing emissions. Their choices of where and how to invest matter. Through the Fossil to Clean campaign, over 260 companies with a combined revenue of >$1.6 trillion are shifting away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy solutions – and advocating for governments to do the same. These companies are seizing the benefits of the clean energy transition, including a stronger workforce, more resilient supply chains and increased competitiveness.
Turning promises into progress
Responsible businesses are calling for ambitious NDCs backed by clear targets, policies, and timelines, that create a virtuous circle of fast-flowing investment, accelerated action, and ratcheted ambition.
Ambitious NDCs will be easier to achieve if businesses, governments and other stakeholders co-create them. Co-creating solutions requires ongoing dialogue throughout the NDC development cycle to drive the systemic change required.
Download the report (pdf)
The Call to Action from Businesses
Businesses are calling on governments – led by the G20 countries – to act across three pillars.
Putting forward ambitious 1.5°C-aligned NDCs containing economy-wide and sector-specific targets, as well as clear commitments to translate targets into concrete policies.
Translating NDCs into clear and consistent policy frameworks that unlock the full potential of the private sector.
Undertaking transparent and inclusive dialogue with businesses, creating an integral role for business and other affected stakeholders at all stages of the NDC cycle.
