A majority (56%) of global investors have said president Donald Trump’s pro-fossil fuels and anti-clean energy policy will hamper the net-zero transition, but that momentum will recover once US leadership changes, according to the findings of Robeco’s fifth Global Climate Investing Survey.
At present, nearly six-in-ten (59%) of investors inidicated they will see how the new US policy agenda develops further before making investment decisions involving assets likely to be affected by president Trump’s proposed changes. Investor majorities in Europe (58%) and Asia-Pacific (62%) agreed, in the future, they will be more likely to look outside the US for investments in areas such as climate solutions, transitioning companies and renewable energy.
Elsewhere, there was growing concern among investors about the lack of consistent government support for net-zero goals. Many felt they had made significant commitments toward achieving net zero by 2050, but policy frameworks have not kept pace. This perceived imbalance is creating uncertainty, prompting calls for more reliable and coordinated action from policymakers.
There are also marked regional differences in the lack of supportive economic policies from the government as a barrier to decarbonisation: 41% of Asia-Pacific investors and 39% of North American investors cited this as a significant barrier compared to only 25% of European investors.
This divergence is especially evident in how central climate investing is to strategy. Around three-fifths of European (62%) and Asia-Pacific (59%) investors still prioritise climate change in their investment policies – slightly reversing last year’s results, which had Asia in the lead. In contrast, only 23% of North American investors now place climate change at the centre of their investment approach.
Lucian Peppelenbos, climate and biodiversity strategist at Robeco, said: “This year’s survey highlights a sobering reality: while many investors remain committed to climate goals, the overall prioritisation of climate change in investment strategies is showing signs of decline, particularly at the global level.
“This underscores the importance of staying focused and adaptable. Our clients are navigating a complex and evolving landscape, with varying levels of policy support and market confidence. Our role is to support them – wherever they are on their sustainability journey – by aligning our investment strategies with their specific goals, whether focused on return, risk, sustainability or a combination of all three. Even amid uncertainty and shifting priorities, we remain steadfast in helping clients invest with clarity, resilience and confidence.”
