By Simon Henzell-Thomas, Head of Climate & Nature, Ingka Group, IKEA
With COP30 kicking off this week, I did something I normally wouldn’t do. I took an online carbon footprint test – only to be told that if everyone lived like me, we would need 4.5 Earths. But here’s the truth: those numbers aren’t mine alone. They reflect an energy system still reliant on fossil fuels, supply chains built on linear thinking, and a global economy that often prioritizes volume over value. While individual actions are important, they alone cannot address the scale of the climate crisis. To truly make a difference and achieve scaled, positive impact, we must work together – governments and businesses alike – to drive systemic change.
Simon Henzell Thomas, Climate & Nature Manager, Ingka Group, IKEA
The data paints a clear picture. A recent landmark report revealed that just 100 fossil fuel companies are linked to over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet governments, meanwhile, continue to fuel the problem, with subsidies for fossil fuels reaching a staggering $7 trillion in 2022, according to the IMF. Despite the crucial commitments made since the Paris Agreement, consumers are still largely asked to bear the burden of conscious choices like recycling and reusing. Yet, essential regulation and incentives for circular design and renewable energy lag far behind. This profound disconnect between global pledges and tangible systemic support highlights a fundamental flaw in our approach to climate change.
At IKEA, we meet millions of people every day who genuinely want to live more sustainably. However, the infrastructure, affordability, or policy frameworks simply aren’t there yet to support their intentions. Our People and Planet Consumer Insights and Trends 2025 research with GlobeScan shows that while 81% of people are willing to do more for the climate, a significant portion feel held back by insufficient support from government (46%) and business (39%). Consumers are eager for change and expect governments and businesses to lead the way in creating a more sustainable future.
A critical element of this is that sustainability cannot remain a luxury for the few; it must be accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of their wallet size. Our job at IKEA is to make those choices easy, affordable, and desirable. We strive to offer sustainable products and solutions and are highly committed to decarbonising our value chain. Yet, we cannot transform entire systems alone; we acknowledge our corporate responsibility but also clearly see the systemic barriers that prevent widespread sustainable living. We also know that taking action on renewable energy brings significant business benefits, lowering costs and improving lives for millions, while securing a safer, more equitable future.
This is why systemic action and collaboration is critical. Governments must build the policy scaffolding for a fair, fossil-free economy, creating the necessary frameworks for change. Businesses must redesign their supply chains, moving beyond linear models and measuring success beyond growth alone. Climate smart action can unlock co-benefits for cost savings, new revenue streams, while building more prosperous, inclusive, and healthy communities. The many people have already shown they are ready and willing to embrace a more sustainable future. Now it’s our turn, as leaders in both industry and government, to enable that future. As leaders gather for COP30 in Belém this week, we must recognize this is the decade to rebuild that system, together, with concrete action.
For COP30 to be a turning point, we need the following to enable system-level change:
- Ambitious, 1.5°C-aligned National Climate Plans (NDCs) from all nations. These plans are the blueprints for a sustainable future, and they must be significantly strengthened to align with the Paris Agreement’s most ambitious goal, setting clear pathways for decarbonisation across all sectors.
- A clear, negotiated outcome on these NDCs, ensuring accountability and progress. It’s not enough to submit plans; there must be a robust mechanism at COP30 to review and ratchet up these national commitments, holding countries accountable for their pledges and ensuring continuous improvement.
- Full delivery on the promises made at COP28 regarding the transition to renewable energy and enhanced energy efficiency, backed by robust policies and actions. This includes concrete steps to triple global renewable energy capacity and double the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030, supported by the necessary financial and policy frameworks.
- Supporting policies in line with the 1.5°C target and scale up both public and private finance to accelerate the transition to circular economy, as well as sustainable transport, food systems, agriculture, and forestry, and reducing food waste.
The focus on strengthening national climate plans is vital, as these are the blueprints for a sustainable future. The footprint belongs to all of us. The future we build next depends on leaders in government and business stepping up, dismantling the systemic barriers, and making sustainable living the default for everyone. This isn’t just about reducing a number; it’s about reimagining our world, together.
About Ingka Group
With IKEA retail operations in 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents 87% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on Ingka.com.
Media enquiries
For further information, journalists and media professionals can contact us at [email protected] or by calling +46 70 993 6376.
