Today in a meeting, a client asked me a great question:

"What do you think are the trending topics for decarbonization in 2025?"

Here's what I told her off the top of my head, based on my work with seven different climate tech clients this year.

Feel free to take these ideas and add to them as you plan your content calendar for next year.

1. Carbon Dioxide Removals

The reputation of carbon credits went through a rough time in 2023.

However, in 2024, the outcome of COP29 conference was a clear signal that the market will only grow for "high-quality" carbon removals.

Many experts I know are doubling down on educating their audience around carbon credits, as business perception seems to be shifting again in their favor.

2. ROI of decarbonization

In the past, the C-Suite had to be convinced about the "business case" of decarbonization.

Considering market pressures, more executives today are bought into setting climate targets and pivoting away from fossil fuels.

The business case will remain important, but I believe more companies are looking for high-leverage emission reduction activities, and especially data about outcomes and ROI they can expect in the short- and long-term.

3. Emission reduction case studies

Another big topic is evidence of real climate action, not just sustainability reporting.

What this means is that case studies showing actual climate progress will be more important than ever.

Collecting data, setting targets, and reporting metrics is a good start — but in 2025, expect more emphasis and accountability on emissions reduction.

4. Scope 3 reductions & supplier engagement

Scope 3 emissions reporting came into the spotlight in 2024.

So, it's fair to say that action on Scope 3 will be more emphasized next year.

Supplier engagement is a closely linked topic, since companies must work with suppliers in order to access real-time data.

Case studies showing outcomes of successful supplier engagement programs will be more and more valuable.

5. Holistic decarbonization

In the EU, issues linked to decarbonization — like the circular economy and biodiversity — have been on the map for a while.

But with the CSRD emphasizing a more holistic approach to sustainability reporting, it's clear that related environmental issues will become a higher priority for corporates, startups, and small businesses, especially in the US where the business world does not have as much awareness about these topics.

When writing about decarbonization, consider you can tie in other environmental issues like ecoystem and biodiversity impacts, resource use, and pollution.

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Of course, what you consider "trendy" depends on your industry, region, and target audience.

Regardless, hopefully this list can get you started as you think about your content calendar for next year.