Why the future of sustainability lies in today's 'Bright Spot' initiatives

The consequences of worsening social and environmental crises are already here and it’s clear we are out of runway for incremental change. The sheer degree to which we are drastically off-track in tackling our most pressing challenges demands far more than business-as-usual approaches. Small steps forward simply won’t get the job done. We instead need a fundamental shift in the ways we live, work, and envision the future.  

This need was apparent at COP29. COP and the process behind it are not without flaws, both in terms of influence (think reports of the heavy hand of fossil fuel companies) and critically, outcomes — notably, it’s clear that the climate finance agreement didn’t go as far as it needed to.  

All eyes on COP30 

All eyes have now turned to Belem, where the potential implications of the US withdrawing from the Paris agreement are already casting a shadow. 

But leaning into the now very real possibility that the world will exceed 2.9C of warming by 2100, I believe COP remains key to focusing efforts and cultivating collaboration. It is the only gathering at which every nation can participate and the only forum which brings together civil society, governments, businesses, non-profits and more.  

So it is the potential for positive change I’m holding onto. Yes, the climate agreement isn’t enough, but it is an improvement on previously agreed contributions. The new $1.3tr climate package reflects a commitment for industrialised countries to lead in mobilising $300bn per year to developing economies by 2035. Then there’s the spotlight placed on new clean technology opportunities; growing representation of climate groups, indigenous voices and environmental campaigners; and the intense global media spotlight on leaders fostering much-needed accountability for people and planet.   

So, scratch the surface and it’s clear that action is being taken – it's just not always visible, and it’s not always from the changemakers you’d expect.  

Look a little deeper 

As eyes already turn to what's next, we must all hold on to hope that transformational change is possible. That’s why Forum for the Future has launched its latest Future of Sustainability campaign, Reimagining the Way the World Works. Over the next 12 months and accelerating in the run up to COP30 (November 2025), we will showcase 30 social and climate initiatives already shaping a more positive future.  

These ‘Bright Spots’ are breaking new ground in how we produce and consume food and energy, and in how and why businesses operate. They are embracing the bold steps needed for transformation and, in the process, reimagining tomorrow in ways that are better for people and planet. And crucially they are making that better future a reality. 

Developed in partnership with The Earthshot Prize, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and Trane Technologies, the Future of Sustainability is set to be a powerful illustration of what’s possible when we are willing to reshape our thinking and commit to deep, systemic change.  

But in the same way we often speak of being good ancestors for future generations, it would be unjust to leave this undertaking to Bright Spots alone. Each of us has a role to play. Whether you are a policymaker, business leader or community organiser, transformational change needs collective action and fresh thinking. And the Bright Spots point to six characteristics of transformational change that we believe can help focus all our efforts.  

How transformational change happens 

These six characteristics are: 

1. Shifting the goals of our social and economic systems – with a focus on food, energy and business. In essence, it’s about making sure that the economy delivers positive financial returns, but that it also delivers positive impact for people and the planet.   

2. Tackling the root cause(s) of sustainability challenges and the past imbalances that have helped create them.  

3. Cultivating new ways of collaborating that embrace different perspectives on shared challenges, and that allow experimentation with new ways of doing things – from new business and governance models to new products and services. 

4. Repatterning the power dynamics that for too long have held progress back. 

5. Showing potential to make a real difference at scale, and potentially in other countries, within 5-10 years. 

6. Building the capacity and agency to create lasting change – enabling people to develop the skills and expertise, as well as the desire and influence, needed to transform how things are done.