American Companies Did Not Remain Indifferent to the Climate Crisis at COP30.

BELEM, Brazil - Despite the U.S. government's distancing from the global climate agenda ahead of the COP30 summit, American companies have not stepped back. A Reuters analysis indicates that 60 representatives from Fortune 100 companies attended the event in Brazil, compared to 50 at last year's event in Baku, Azerbaijan. Additionally, there were other representatives at pre-conference events in Brazil's financial hubs, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Notable names at the event included technology firms such as Microsoft and Google, the energy company Occidental Petroleum, automobile manufacturer General Motors, and financial institution Citigroup. Andrew Wilson, deputy policy chief at the International Chamber of Commerce, stated, "We have not seen a noticeable change in U.S. companies' engagement in climate policy this year. This is also reflected in participation levels."

Executive leaders indicated that now is not the right time to step back from climate discussions, as rising temperatures pose threats to factories, supply chains, and profit margins. Jim Andrew, Sustainability Manager at PepsiCo, explained, "We are doing this because it is good for business. It enhances supply security."

Darren Woods, CEO of the largest U.S. oil company ExxonMobil, was among the other U.S. executives attending pre-COP events. Lou Leonard, Dean of the School of Climate, Environment, and Society at Clark University, emphasized the important roles these participants play for the future of climate action.

An analysis by the Global Sustainability Center at the University of Maryland showed that current federal and local policies could lead to a 35% reduction in U.S. emissions by 2035, with the largest share coming from companies. Gina McCarthy, former head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and currently co-chair of the 'America Is All In' coalition, stated, "Regardless of the headlines, the private sector continues to invest in and implement clean energy."

The two-week COP30 conference will also host many small U.S. companies aiming to benefit from the transition to low-carbon energy. Brennan Spellacy, CEO of the carbon credit platform Patch, said, "Being here is about making global connections."

U.S. President Donald Trump characterized climate change as a hoax. However, despite the federal position of the U.S., regulations are changing worldwide to accelerate the energy transition. Jack Hurd, leader of the World Economic Forum’s Global System Agenda and the Tropical Forest Alliance, remarked, "Regardless of the rhetoric coming from the U.S., the market is moving, and policymakers are acknowledging the shift."

More U.S. companies are disclosing their climate strategies despite the declining necessity for a federal rule. However, the quality of corporate plans on a global scale remains low. Maria Mendiluce, CEO of the We Mean Business Coalition, stated, "The U.S. plays a decisive role in global climate, energy, and industrial policy, so the presence of subnational leaders, non-state actors, and businesses at COP30 is significant. Despite uncertainty in local politics, U.S. markets shape capital flows and technological pathways. Such participation demonstrates to investors that the world's largest economy understands the importance of energy transition in terms of competitiveness, innovation, and security."