Bild der COP30, Belem Brasilien

    KfW Research

    30th Climate Change Conference (COP30)

    Ten years after the Paris Agreement, the world is heading for global warming well above the the target of 1.5 degrees. As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the benefits of climate protection measures are also coming into focus, from avoiding climate damage to participating in green markets of the future. The 30th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, highlights the new national commitments of countries – and the widening gap in achieving long-term goals. In the midst of geopolitical uncertainty, it will now be crucial to put plans into action with concrete strategies.

    In addition to renewing the climate plans of the signatory states, the NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions), it is also important to address the implementation of the financing target for climate protection and adaptation in developing countries that was adopted last year. The host Amazon region also puts the focus on forest and biodiversity protection and the role of indigenous peoples. Against the backdrop of a challenging geopolitical situation, the participating countries face major challenges – but also opportunities – at the climate conference.

    Two new studies by KfW Research in collaboration with Deloitte and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), respectively, address the opportunities offered by climate protection through innovation and technology and the importance of international cooperation in times of geopolitical fragmentation:

    The economic benefits of climate action – How decarbonization can enhance competitiveness and growth (with Deloitte)

    Deckblatt einer Studie

    Climate action creates opportunities for competitiveness and resilience for companies, as shown by a study from KfW Research and Deloitte. The global market for clean technologies is growing rapidly and, if current trends continue, will double in less than ten years. In Germany, the clean technology sectors are well positioned, accounting for 13% of global green tech exports. Through ambitious climate action, companies can also benefit from a better risk position and greater resilience due to reduced dependence on volatile energy and CO₂ prices, from cost savings thanks to falling prices for renewable energy and storage, as well as from favorable financing opportunities in light of regulatory requirements and growing interest in sustainable investments. In the short term, however, some challenges must be overcome. The study recommends targeted economic policy measures to ensure that these opportunities can be realized.

    The economic benefits of climate action – How decarbonization can enhance competitiveness and growth

    Press release

    Stable Investments in Times of Instability: Bridging Interests to Revive International Climate Diplomacy (with PIK)

    Deckblatt einer Studie

    The international community is facing a shrinking budget for greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and, at the same time, a rise in geoeconomic fragmentation. A joint discussion paper by PIK and KfW Research emphasizes the advantages of international climate protection by preventing climate damage, promoting innovation and growth in green technologies, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Current climate investments must triple in order to achieve the Paris climate targets. The required increase is even higher in low- and middle-income countries, where access to capital is constrained. Against this backdrop, mechanisms that ensure reciprocity and efficient distribution of available funds are key. Starting points include a border adjustment mechanism for CO2 and “minilateral” alliances for coordinated climate investments.

    Stable Investments in Times of Instability: Bridging Interests to Revive International Climate Diplomacy

    November 2025

    Contact

    KfW Research, KfW Group, Palmengartenstrasse 5-9, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany,