Climate technology, or climate tech, refers to innovative solutions and technologies designed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, renewable energy and carbon capture/storage technologies that reduce CO2 in our atmosphere.

According to a new report, it’s no longer a future bet — it is a present-day imperative. Organisations across every sector are recognising its role in achieving net zero and sustainability goals. But readiness to act varies widely. Ahead of COP 30 next month, the latest report from ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) The climate tech forecast. A guide to driving value across organisations shows both the momentum and the challenges in embedding climate technologies, with accountants playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between aspiration and action.

Climate technology is transforming industries, creating opportunities, and driving investment. While only 15 per cent of organisations currently invest with clear financial or strategic rationale, growing interest is seen in cautious investment (42 per cent) and non-financial returns like ESG and brand value (21 per cent). Energy efficiency, carbon compliance, and sustainable supply chains are leading adoption, with green finance, carbon offsetting, and climate risk planning emerging as strategic priorities.

Accountants play a pivotal role — guiding investment, embedding climate into strategy, and ensuring transparent reporting. The research and round-table insights highlight challenges around data readiness, long-term ROI, and internal capabilities, but also show that AI and robust frameworks can unlock measurable value.

Emmeline Skelton, head of sustainability at ACCA, said, “These investments often involve high upfront costs, long payback periods, and benefits that are more environmental or strategic than immediately financial. However, the true return of climate technology lies in strengthening resilience, reducing long-term risk, and creating sustainable value in the shift to a low-carbon economy.”

She emphasised the opportunity for accountants: “Climate tech investments can take time to pay off, but finance teams are central in helping organisations see beyond quick returns. By tackling the data crisis head-on, accountants can unlock and prove the measurable, long-term value of these essential technologies.”

The research underscores a significant readiness gap. Data remains the single biggest barrier: 72 per cent of organisations struggle with fragmented or inconsistent information, weak governance, or insufficient knowledge. Even when data is collected, 20 per cent say they cannot interpret outputs, while 15 per cent cannot measure ROI from investments.

Government support — through policy, tax incentives, and skills development — is essential, with 77 per cent of organisations citing it as a key driver. By combining strong data, strategic oversight, and supportive public policy, accountants can help organisations scale climate technology, rethink ROI, and create long-term sustainable value.

This report showcases ACCA members as climate tech innovators and explores why organisations must rethink traditional ROI. The true return lies in strengthening resilience, reducing risk, and creating sustainable value.

To support finance professionals, ACCA has developed the Climate Technology Readiness and Investment Toolkit which provides a practical, five-step road map for embedding climate technology into strategy, finance, and operations. It guides organisations from setting goals to achieving ongoing assurance and serves as a practical guide for accountants to assess, align and accelerate climate technology adoption.

About ACCA

We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide.

Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we’ve long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 257,900 members and 530,100 future members in 180 countries.

Find out more at: www.accaglobal.com