Manya Rathore
Research expert covering India
Sustainability - statistics & facts
Since the Industrial Revolution began, human development has mainly come at the expense of the environment. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and supply chain disruptions are only some of the challenges arising from the overexploitation of natural resources. To counter these threats, many are pinning their hopes on sustainable solutions, processes and actions to avoid natural resource depletion and maintain ecological balance.
The renewable energy surge
Climate change is one of the most pressing crises faced by humankind. As such, the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources has become one of the most relevant sustainability trends of the 21st century. Global renewable energy capacity reached roughly 5.1 terawatts in 2025, more than four times the capacity in 2010. Forecasts show this figure will need to continue growing at an even higher rate for a chance to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The deployment of other clean energy technologies, such as electric vehicles, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and battery storage, is also expected to grow significantly. Overall, investments in energy transition technologies exceeded 2.3 trillion U.S. dollars in 2025, growing eight percent year-over-year.
Bonds, funds, and the financial toolkit behind decarbonization
To aid in long-term sustainable projects and the shift to a low-carbon economy, various financial instruments have emerged. One such instrument is green bonds, which fund climate and environmental projects. In 2023, green bonds issued worldwide amounted to roughly 600 billion U.S. dollars, a 16-fold increase compared to a decade earlier. Green bonds are part of a larger category of sustainable investing, also known as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing. In contrast to green bonds, ESG funds cover a wider range of projects, from affordable housing to improving working conditions and gender equality. Returns on sustainable funds have performed comparably to traditional funds in recent years.
Shoppers put their money where their values are
Environmental friendliness factored into purchasing decisions for a majority of shoppers across product categories worldwide in 2025, and consumers are strongly driving up demand for greener products and initiatives. Despite cost-of-living concerns, a significant share of consumers across markets reported being willing to pay more for sustainable products and brands. In addition to environmental concerns, sustainable alternatives are often associated with better quality and durability.
Beyond a buzzword, a blueprint for the future
The concept of sustainability can provide guidance toward protecting the natural environment, as well as human and ecological health. As the effects of climate change around the globe become increasingly more pronounced, sustainability influences consumer preferences, manufacturing processes, and technological advancements toward a more circular and fair approach. With climate-tech equity financing rebounding sharply in 2025, the momentum behind decarbonization appears far from slowing down.
