ESG and the Energy Transition — Here to Stay, With Opportunities for Technology Leadership

2 minute read

Oct 2025

The overwhelming view from the business leaders interviewed is that climate change, the energy transition, and related ESG issues are here to stay, regardless of changes in US policies. Many leaders note that other global regions, including Europe, Southeast Asia, and China, are still moving forward.

Even with a short-term downturn in ESG activity, most CEOs anticipate a long-term recovery in investment. Some leaders, however, feel that the drivers for investment will shift more toward consumers and the market than toward regulation, with technological innovation and improving economics having a greater impact than regulation.

Some leaders believe ESG regulations will be deprioritized. Other leaders point out that climate risks will continue to drive investment and progress, and significant steps are still being made toward making green energy technologies competitive with fossil fuels. Some also see this as an opportunity for Europe to build a global leadership position. None of these leaders recommend making differentiated products solely for a newly deregulated US market.

“Sustainability is there; it will never go back.”
[Construction group]

“I think it’s also important that we, as Europe, protect our knowledge [on sustainability] and don’t give it away for free to [the] US, as we often do, particular[ly] when it comes to high tech.”
[Aviation group]

“We still believe that sustainability in all its forms, including financial stability, can be a guiding light for a successful company.”
[Energy group]

“I think there is an opportunity for [the] US, [which] is an abundant energy producer. It doesn’t just have to be oil & gas.”
[Logistics group]

“I do not believe there will be a substantial slowdown in the sector. Renewables are competitive, and therefore, you know, they will need less and less incentives.”
[Energy group]

“The US doesn’t want to build the renewable energy infrastructure. It’s a very short view, I believe, because you lose competitiveness in the medium and long term.”
[Energy group]

“Hong Kong and China are thankfully still going full steam ahead on solar and green fuels and the like in terms of trade.”
[Logistics group]

“Climate issues will not go away, and I think it’s mostly driven by consumers. Technology and innovation will be a better answer than regulation.”
[Industrial group]

“Climate and energy transition opportunities all over the world, with capital needs in the trillions. Europe is leading.”
[Asset management group]

“We would still maintain [the] same products, not differentiated for a deregulated US.”
[Industrial group]

“ESG is taking a backseat.”
[Asset management group]

“Some leaders believe ESG regulations will be deprioritized. Other leaders point out that climate risks will continue to drive investment”