COP30 & Australian Business: What Comes Next

COP30 wrapped up in Belém with a clear message for business: Climate, nature and resilience are now inseparable.

From finance and adaptation to Indigenous leadership and global efforts to curb deforestation, the negotiations signaled a change in the expectations of how organisations plan, disclose and act.

This year's COP reinforced that resilience is now strategic. As climate impacts intensify, business continuity, supply chain stability and energy security are increasingly shaped by climate-related risks, no longer just an ESG add-on.

Transparency will define the next decade. Global reporting systems are maturing, making performance on climate and nature outcomes more measurable, comparable, and accountable to regulators and investors

This article will outline what's changing, why it matters, and what organisations should be doing now to prepare.

A new calibration for ambition 

At COP30 in Belém, Australia set a new benchmark for climate ambition with a 2035 emissions reduction target of 62-70% below 2005 levels. This updated goal is a significant step up from the previous 2030 target of 43% and aligns with the nation’s long-term commitment to net-zero by 2050.

These commitments carry a clear message for businesses: strategy, capital allocation, and supply chains must evolve to meet this higher ambition.

The negotiations in Belém also placed nature, biodiversity, and business reliance at the forefront, signalling a decisive shift towards integrated climate-nature risk management for Australian businesses.

Business Resilience is now strategic 

As renewables scale and climate risks intensify, major economies are reframing energy security and business continuity through resilience. COP30 reinforced that the private sector will play a crucial role, not only in decarbonisation, but also in adaptation and resilience.

Transparency will define the next decade  

Transparency mechanisms tied to national climate plans are becoming central to global climate governance. With global reporting systems maturing, businesses can expect sharper performance visibility, tighter disclosures, and stronger accountability from investors and governments.

A new era of Nature-Positive Business

COP30 revealed a surge in corporate nature-positive action.

From restoration projects to regenerative practices, organisations have demonstrated how nature-positive commitments strengthen supply chain security, build brand trust, and open new market opportunities.

The conference also emphasised the importance of meaningful engagement with indigenous communities and place-based leadership.

Government-business alignment is accelerating

The conference held discussions regarding the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector in achieving a 1.5°C future.

The private sector is expected to drive finance, innovation and delivery of national commitments, bringing sharper expectations, tighter policy pathways, and growing pressure for credible transition plans.

Methane shows where global climate action is heading

COP30 also saw a major shift in how methane is approached globally.

A new $100 million initiative to scale methane detection and response, combining advanced satellite monitoring and on-the-ground action. The move marks a new era of high-resolution transparency and instant accountability.

For Australian businesses across energy, agriculture and waste, methane is now a priority for scrutiny, investment and immediate emissions reduction.

Next Steps for Climate-Ready Businesses

In the wake of COP30, organisations face a decisive moment: translating ambition into action.

Organisations should now aim to focus on:

• Embedding resilience in strategy & risk
• Strengthening monitoring & disclosures
• Integrating climate & nature into decisions
• Partnering respectfully with Indigenous stakeholders
• Preparing for stricter climate policies
• Reducing methane across operations & supply chains