The global energy transition is no longer a distant goal; it’s here, reshaping industries, economies and societies in real time. For corporate boards, the decisions made today will determine whether companies lead in this new reality or are left behind. But as the conversation shifts from ambition to action, one critical question emerges: How can boards steer their companies through this seismic shift while ensuring the benefits of the energy transition are shared equitably?
It’s tempting to think of the energy transition in purely technical terms: reducing emissions, ramping up renewable energy and hitting those coveted net-zero targets. But the real leadership challenge for boards isn’t just about balancing the carbon ledger. As the World Economic Forum’s 2025 focus on “stewarding a just, inclusive energy transition” highlights, the boardroom must now grapple with a deeper, more complex mandate. That is, the transition must be not only fast and effective but also fair.
Boards are responsible for ensuring that this shift to sustainability creates opportunities for all — from workers to communities — while safeguarding the natural systems that underpin the global economy.
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