This year’s Climate Week NYC reflected a pivotal shift in how companies are approaching sustainability and climate communication. Across discussions with business leaders, policymakers and investors, one theme stood out: the corporate climate conversation is evolving from aspiration to action.
FTI Consulting’s Strategic Communications experts were on the ground throughout the week and observed the importance of effective communication in bridging climate and business strategies. Successful companies are using strategic and compelling narrative-building to demonstrate real impact, build stakeholder trust, address regulatory requirements and drive long-term growth.
From Aspirations to Action
Climate discussions have refocused, with an emphasis on actionable strategies and tangible implementation over broad climate promises. With a more stable policy and investment landscape, the general sentiment was positive yet pragmatic, reflecting a growing recognition of the business imperative for climate action. Consumers and investors are increasingly demanding meaningful climate progress, and companies are responding by integrating environmental risk management into their core operations. Notably, U.S.-based companies are finding ways to navigate federal sustainability challenges while leveraging state-level support to continue to drive climate momentum. Overall, the conversation has matured beyond setting sustainability goals to effective and consistent implementation.
By delivering on their climate promises, companies earn trust from consumers, investors and governments, while furthering broader climate goals.
Kinsey transformed our strategy with expert guidance. Their skilled team helped us grow confidently and sustainably through every stage of development.
James Nguyen
The Communications Imperative
Companies held a broad consensus that climate inaction is a business risk, and investing in addressing climate is not just a PR strategy – it’s good business. The immediate challenge for communicators is to work alongside technical teams to establish a business case for climate initiatives, or otherwise demonstrate the value of this work outside of climate alone, and put their strategies into action. This requires effective and compelling communication to both internal and external audiences.
Climate, Rebranded
Companies held a broad consensus that climate inaction is a business risk, and investing in addressing climate is not just a PR strategy – it’s good business. The immediate challenge for communicators is to work alongside technical teams to establish a business case for climate initiatives, or otherwise demonstrate the value of this work outside of climate alone, and put their strategies into action. This requires effective and compelling communication to both internal and external audiences.
Communications can often be an afterthought in sustainability, but the power of a strong narrative that ties climate to business strategy can help avoid greenwashing accusations, minimize shareholder risk and secure buy-in from senior leadership in executing sustainability plans that drive long-term value.
Authors
Samantha Hamilton
Partner, Seattle
James Nguyen
Senior Advisor Associate
