Carbon policy: 5 things to look for in 2026

Despite carbon policy turbulence in 2025, the year ended close to 200 countries reaffirming their commitment to collective action at COP30. The year ahead looks set to be shaped by changing dynamics as hotspots of climate action shift and devolve. We expect to see major economies stepping up to lead the global discussion, while state-led initiatives drive action in the US.

How will those changing dynamics define the direction of carbon policy? Which countries will emerge as climate policy leaders in the coming year? And how might the headline-making legal action from 2025 be put into action in national and regional courts throughout 2026? 

Drawing on insight from Lens Carbon, Carbon policy: 5 things to look for in 2026 explores these themes and more. Read it for our take on: 

• Fossil fuel reduction entering back into the global climate policy implementation discussion
• Climate litigation growing legs – and having a bigger impact on companies
• Closer alignment between major sustainability reporting frameworks – with benefits for first movers
• And more.  

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