The article highlights a significant shift in corporate lobbying among European companies, revealing an increasing support for strong climate action. Research by InfluenceMap indicates that corporate lobbying aligned with climate goals surged from 3% in 2019 to an anticipated 23% by 2025, while the number of companies deemed “inconsistent” dropped from 34% to 14%. More than half of the largest European firms are at least “partially aligned” with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Analyst Venetia Roxburgh noted that while vocal opponents of the energy transition have a prominent place in public discourse, a larger majority of companies are actively supporting decarbonization and climate policy. The study tracked climate advocacy through various channels, revealing that the proportion of companies lobbying in line with the Paris Agreement has doubled since 2019.
However, industry associations lag behind individual companies, with aligned representation increasing only from 2% to 12%. This discrepancy may stem from industry groups prioritizing the views of climate policy opponents, reflecting misalignment with the majority of their members.
The report identifies some companies as leaders in engagement but also highlights laggards, including utilities and oil producers that are resistant to strong climate policies. The European Commission’s recent focus on “competitiveness” has drawn criticism, as it is perceived as potentially undermining effective environmental regulations in favor of business interests. Overall, the research suggests a growing corporate consensus on the need for effective climate action in Europe.
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