Trillions invested in sustainable technologies over past decade, but investments, technology and progress are diverging

Private companies and governments have invested a staggering $17 trillion in sustainable technologies over the past decade, yet progress has been uneven, according to Bain & Company's fourth edition of the Visionary CEO's Guide to Sustainability. The report finds that sustainability transitions have entered an age of divergence which could intensify over the next decade and identifies the actions businesses can take to navigate this environment.

Investments in sustainability hit a record $2.4 trillion in 2025. However, 90% of investment went to just three sectors – green energy, buildings and mobility – where capital has helped technologies scale and costs fall, in turn attracting further investments. Meanwhile, three stranded sectors – agriculture, manufacturing and materials, and natural capital – which together account for roughly 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, received less than 10% of investment.