Carbon policy: 5 things to look for in 2025

Globally, 2024 was a busy year for carbon policy. Mandatory emissions reporting requirements kicked off in many countries worldwide, the EU’s methane monitoring requirements went into force and climate finance took a central role in COP29 in Baku.

So, what should we expect in 2025? Drawing on insight from Lens Carbon , Carbon policy: 5 things to look for in 2025 sets out our pick of the key themes and trends we’ll be tracking closely.

Fill in the form to get your complimentary copy , or read on for a quick introduction to just a few of the topics explored.

Which countries will emerge as climate leaders in 2025?

The likely pullback in ambition by the US in the coming year leaves space on the international scene for others to step up and fill the void as a climate leader.

The EU is likely to enhance its position – with recently re-elected European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen keeping climate change at the heart of her second mandate. And, as the host of COP30, Brazil is likely to feature prominently in climate-related discussions throughout the year, especially in the lead-up to November’s conference.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has already been vocal about the need to accelerate action against climate change, and the country’s recently released updated nationally determined contribution (NDC) outlines steeper domestic emissions cuts to 2035 than in previous versions. Expect to hear a lot more from Brazilian voices in 2025.

Which other countries do we expect to take an emboldened role in international climate policy in the coming year? Read the full report to find out.

Adaptation and climate financing take a bigger stage in carbon policy

Climate finance was a key topic at COP29. That theme is set to continue into 2025, with a landmark case being heard at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to determine the consequences countries could face over the environmental impact of a lack of climate-related action. The ICJ’s ruling may not be binding, but it should inform and serve as a basis for domestic lawsuits going forward.

Expect to see countries look to enhance their focus on adaptation in policy frameworks such as national adaptation plans (NAPS) and in forthcoming NDCs, with an emphasis likely to be placed on climate justice, community and indigenous rights and biodiversity.

Also in Carbon policy: 5 things to look for in 2025…

Will NDCs due by February 2025 hit the mark on climate efforts and make Paris-aligned targets feasible? How will emissions reporting requirements evolve this year?

To read our view on these topics and more fill in the form at the top of the page for your complimentary copy of this report.