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As we step into 2026, many organisations are reflecting on a tumultuous 2025 – a year marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and political volatility that have tested corporate climate commitments across sectors. Headlines warned of retreating corporate sustainability efforts and weakened regulatory frameworks, signalling a broader headwind for climate action. Yet, amid these challenges, businesses have continued to push forward on sustainability goals; knowing that resilience in a changing climate isn’t optional – it’s essential.

Why climate action is still a business priority

Despite global uncertainty slowing some progress, the vast majority of organisations remain committed to sustainability. In fact, 83% of companies increased their sustainability investments over the past year, according to Deloitte, with many citing tangible benefits such as revenue growth and cost savings even as economic and political pressures grow. Similarly, research from Capgemini shows that 82% of organisations plan to increase investment in environmental sustainability over the next 12–18 months as a core strategy for future-proofing their operations.

These trends highlight a clear message: climate action remains a business priority, and embedding Carbon Literacy into your 2026 strategy can help you strengthen, accelerate and amplify that action across your organisation.

Understanding and acting on climate isn’t just good for the planet – it’s good for organisational resilience, innovation, workplace culture, and reputation. Carbon Literacy equips your people with the knowledge, confidence and motivation to reduce emissions at every level of your operations. So how can you turn the fresh start of 2026 into real traction on low-carbon goals?

What Carbon Literacy goals could you set in 2026?

Here are some ideas to spark your planning:

1. Certify your people

Set a target for the number of staff, volunteers, students or community members you plan to certify as Carbon Literate this year. Whether that’s 10, 100, or 1,000 people –every new Carbon Literate person adds capacity for change.

2. Develop and accredit courses

Are there new audiences within or connected to your organisation who could benefit from tailored Carbon Literacy learning? Planning to create, refine, or accredit new courses gives your strategy structure and momentum.

3. Grow trainer capacity

If you’re already delivering training, consider supporting more of your team to become Carbon Literacy trainers. More trainers means more reach, impact, and internal ownership of your climate goals. Support trainers to progress through our Trainer Certification Scheme to gain confidence and grow professionally.

4. Advance your accreditation

If you’re already part of the Carbon Literacy journey, why not aim higher this year? Apply for or progress your Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) accreditation – from Bronze up through Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Or, if you’re an educator, plan your Carbon Literate Educator (CLE) pathway.

5. Strengthen partnerships

Joining or renewing engagement with the Carbon Literacy Partner Scheme is another way to signal commitment to corporate social responsibility and collaborate with movements for good.

6. Organise or engage with key events

Use flagship events like International Carbon Literacy Action Day, aligned with the UN Climate Change Conference, as focal points for participation, awareness, and collective activity in the year ahead.

7. Organise locally to act globally

Explore the Carbon Literate Localities scheme, which connects and supports organisations within a defined geographical location to collaborate and organise around boosting Carbon Literacy and climate action capacity locally.

Why prioritise Carbon Literacy in your 2026 strategy?

1. Build a shared understanding across your organisation
Carbon Literacy learning helps everyone – from senior leaders to frontline teams – understand the need and solutions for decarbonisation. This shared foundation supports smarter decision-making and accelerates progress toward sustainability goals.

2. Embed action, not just awareness
Unlike generic climate training, Carbon Literacy pairs knowledge with action pledges. Learners commit to real changes they will implement in their work and personal lives – making your strategy actionable from the start.

3. Enhance resilience and innovation
Carbon Literate organisations – and employees – are better equipped to manage climate risk, improve operational resilience, and align with frameworks like ISO 14001 and broader net-zero commitments.

4. Demonstrate leadership at every level
Whether you’re in local government, education, the private sector or civil society, Carbon Literacy accreditation and certification show stakeholders – employees, customers, clients or constituents – that you’re serious about embedding climate action into the fabric of your organisation.

Start the year as you mean to go on

The start of a new year is the perfect moment to set clear, ambitious, and achievable goals. By investing in Carbon Literacy now, you’re future-proofing your organisation, developing your people, and contributing to the broader cultural shift toward a low-carbon economy.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or accelerating existing plans, make 2026 the year your organisation makes Carbon Literacy a strategic priority.

Contact us to discuss how you can get started.