Six million small firms urge COP leaders to unlock finance and incentives for green growth

"SMEs account for 90 per cent of global businesses and generate over half of the world's GDP, yet they are among the least supported when it comes to decarbonisation. Despite their crucial role in local economies and international supply chains, most small businesses still face significant barriers to climate action. A recent SME Climate Hub survey found that 80 per cent of respondents reported either minimal government support or no awareness of existing climate-related incentives."

""The global climate transition cannot succeed if SMEs are left behind," said Pamela Jouven, Director of the SME Climate Hub. "Governments have the power to turn climate risk into business opportunity. We're urging Heads of Delegations at COP30 to adopt a practical policy framework that empowers SMEs and recognises them as vital contributors to the net zero transition.""

"The open letter calls for governments to strengthen national frameworks so that SMEs are formally recognised within climate and biodiversity strategies and included in consultation processes. It also advocates for the integration of small firms into public procurement systems, ensuring they can compete fairly for green contracts and become part of sustainable value chains."

More than six million small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide are urging world leaders for urgent coordinated action to support business-led climate progress ahead of COP30 in Brazil. The SME Climate Hub and global partners call for a unified policy set to unlock green finance, simplify climate guidance, and create meaningful incentives for smaller firms. SMEs represent 90% of businesses and generate over half of global GDP but face limited decarbonisation support; a survey found 80% reported minimal or no awareness of climate incentives. The letter requests formal recognition of SMEs in national frameworks, inclusion in consultations, integration into public procurement, and funding to quantify the commercial benefits of decarbonisation.

Read at Business Matters