2 degrees Celsius increase could cut $6 trillion from S&P 500 value: Report

New York : A temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius could cut $6 trillion from the value of the S&P 500 index, in addition to the devastating environmental and social consequences, a report warned on Monday.

Slowing momentum on sustainability could come with a tangible cost, according to new research from Bain & Company, that pointed to a sharp decline in CEOs’ relative prioritisation of sustainability, as AI, growth, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty have risen to the top of their agenda.

“The transition to a sustainable world is following a familiar cycle. As the challenge of meeting bold commitments becomes clear, many companies are rethinking what is achievable and on what timeline. But slowing progress would be a mistake,” said Jean-Charles van den Branden, Bain’s global Sustainability practice leader.

Companies are struggling to meet their existing commitments. Of the firms disclosing their progress via carbon disclosure project (CDP), 30 per cent are well behind on their Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction goals, and almost half are behind on Scope 3.

The research shows many sustainable technologies are likely to reach their tipping point more quickly than expected.

Forward-thinking companies will stay the course and lead the way as a mix of new technologies, consumer and customer behaviour, and smart policy creates valuable opportunities for their industries, the report added.

Many companies are reassessing, adjusting, and, in some cases, retracting their climate commitments.

Even as CEOs deal with competing priorities, the message from consumers around the world is clear. In a global survey of nearly 19,000 consumers in 10 countries, 61 per cent of people said their concerns about climate change have increased over the past two years, often sparked by personal experience of extreme weather.

In India, 64 per cent of people surveyed say their level of concern about climate change have increased.

“Indian consumers prioritize health, price, and quality while shopping. When choosing sustainable options, they predominantly seek products with 'natural' attributes across various categories,” said Ravi Swarup, Partner and India lead for consumer products practice at Bain & Company.