Global sustainability efforts are growing increasingly complex. Geopolitical instability, economic fragmentation, and shifting political priorities are weakening international climate coordination and delaying transition pathways. Two regions stand out - Europe and Asia, as they account for a majority of global emissions, industrial output, and climate investment.

Europe stands out as a zone of relative regulatory and policy stability. The EU continues to advance a coordinated green agenda through initiatives such as the €750 billion NextGenerationEU recovery plan, the Green Deal Industrial Plan, and its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is already reshaping global trade dynamics.

However, Asia’s sustainability progress, as a region, is a little more uneven and less coordinated. Divergent national priorities, macroeconomic volatility and tighter capital markets, particularly in emerging markets, have made that trajectory more challenging. Yet, this is not a story of retreat. Rather, Asia is adapting, pragmatically, by focusing on domestic enablers and regional partnerships. While green finance flows have slowed in volume, the opportunity set is growing, especially in areas like battery storage, electric mobility, and carbon markets. There are clear headwinds—but also bright spots.

In both Asia and Europe, do we see an ‘evolution’ in strategies to be more selective. Has there been strategic calibration by corporates and investors? How are they pivoting their strategies to emphasise resilience, compliance and long-term value? Where are these bright spots? How do we now see the role of climate financing and carbon markets in advancing the sustainability agenda in light of these changes? How do we measure real world impact, while managing for green washing and/or hushing?

Held on the sidelines of London Climate Action Week, Ecosperity Conversations "Overcoming Headwinds: Bright Spots for Sustainability" is co-curated by Decarbonization Partners, Ecosperity, GenZero and LeapFrog Investments.

This is a by-invite-only event.

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