Key Trends Driving Climate Progress in 2024
By: Erin Flood
This year has been one for the history books, from being the hottest year on record to three-quarters of the Earth’s surface becoming drier. While negative news grabs our attention, there are countless positive stories that frequently go underreported. We need good news: positive solutions foster climate optimism and drive the action needed to restore and safeguard our planet's ecosystems.
Here are ten climate trends we watched in 2024:
1️⃣ Net-Zero Zones on the Rise
Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are leading the way with Zero Emission Buildings (ZEBs), setting the gold standard in the fight against climate change within the built environment. These buildings aim to balance their energy footprint, working towards net-zero emissions. Alongside ZEBs, we can expect increased bike-sharing accessibility, more solar-powered schools, and the continuation of community-driven green energy projects.
2️⃣ Retailers Double Down on Eco-Fees
Eco-fees and rounding up at checkout are becoming standard practice across industries, from grocers to clothing brands. Whether boosting their company’s climate impact or encouraging customers to take climate action, integrating nature-based solutions into the checkout process is an easy and effective way to get everyone involved.
3️⃣ Climate Anxiety Turns Into Action
As climate anxiety continues to rise, more people are turning their worries into grassroots movements, with new organizations supporting climate entrepreneurs emerging. Community groups and online forums, like EcoAnxious Stories, have become go-to spaces for individuals to connect, share concerns, and take action.
4️⃣ Carbon Markets Heat Up
The climate market is experiencing mixed trends. While renewable energy investments remain strong despite political and economic hurdles, the voluntary carbon credit market has faced credibility challenges, leading to declining sales. Corporate climate action is under pressure, but continued investments in clean technologies and nature-based solutions provide promising opportunities, especially with stronger policies and global climate disclosures. The industrial sector is making strides in decarbonization, but faster action is needed to meet climate goals.
5️⃣ Youth Take Center Stage
As Gen Zs mature, their demand for action is intensifying. From pushing for corporate transparency to aligning employment decisions with their values, Gen Z is making their voices heard. (54% say they and their peers are pressuring employers to take climate action.). They’re also turning to non-traditional media, like TikTok, to discuss climate policy and call out brands for greenwashing. As Gen Z continues to enter the workforce, we will see a noticeable shift in social and business norms.
6️⃣ Indigenous Knowledge Leads the Way
As we explore new methods for slowing climate change, many people are learning from Indigenous ways of caring for our ecosystems. At COP16, the global biodiversity gathering, there were some big wins, like a new subsidiary body that elevates the voices of Indigenous peoples and communities in global negotiations. The gathering also led to the creation of the Cali Fund, a voluntary fund where major industries fairly share profits with nature stewards, including Indigenous Peoples. Collaboration with Indigenous communities is also gaining momentum as a necessary strategy for conservation and biodiversity. Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and partnering with the original caretakers of the Earth to guide us toward a sustainable and just future. Indigenous leadership are front and centre in climate and nature action in Canada, such as through First Nations building a new economy on British Columbia’s north coast.
7️⃣ Corporate Climate Reports Go Real-Time
With technological innovations rising, companies can now provide real-time updates on emissions reductions and sustainability goals, which are more nimble than quarterly reports, enhancing transparency and accountability. New Climate reports that this shift is driving businesses to take more immediate action and make their climate strategies more accessible.
8️⃣Climate Tech Startups Boom
Climate tech innovation continues to make strides, with startups tackling challenges like vertical farming, water purification and climate-friendly business models. These companies are attracting major investments as they work to solve complex problems beyond electric vehicles. With regulations and consumer demands continuing to shape the future of business, climate technology has a future of growth in sight.
9️⃣ Every Purchase Counts
Consumers are demanding more from brands, pushing for everything from tree-planting initiatives to clothing lines that upcycle materials. It's clear—every purchase has an impact in the fight for our planet. Trust.org reports that this shift in consumer behaviour is forcing companies to rethink their strategies and align with sustainability goals.
🔟 Everyone has a Role to Play in Nature and Climate
The future of climate action depends on its democratization, where we can unite around a common vision and achieve sustainable, long-term progress. For example, the Nature Accountability Act released in summer 2024 acknowledged that all levels of government and all Canadians have a role to play in stewarding our natural environment. What’s more is that people and companies alike are increasingly understanding that climate and nature are inextricably linked, and efforts to fight climate change and protect biodiversity need to happen at the same time. By collectively acknowledging the urgency of climate change and biodiversity loss, we can catalyze meaningful transformation.
Looking back at both the good and bad news from 2024, it’s clear that innovation, collaboration, and bold actions are key to creating a sustainable future. From new technologies driving the transition to clean energy to shifts in consumer behaviour pushing brands to be more accountable, each action we take has a ripple effect. As we enter into the new year, let’s all continue pushing for change and working toward a brighter, greener future.
