The companies that position themselves at the forefront of this transformation will be the leaders of the next century.

By Marina Grossi and Flávio Souza 

A COP-30 This will be a leadership test. If successful, it could consolidate Brazil's leading role in an agenda that interests the world and will define the course of the economy in the coming decades. Beyond environmental and moral aspects, the climate transition is a business agenda that will mobilize US$10 trillion by 2050, according to McKinsey. In this scenario, the business sector assumes a central role, balancing risk, opportunity, and value creation.

For Brazil, the success of COP and the climate transition could add up to US$100 billion to its economy. GDP and generate 6.4 million jobs by 2030. It's the opportunity of the decade and could be a new driver of growth for the country.

The signs of urgency are clear: floods in the South, prolonged drought in the Midwest, and Amazon rivers at historically low levels are already affecting the economy and costing lives. At its core, the climate agenda is about risk management.

O Itau understands that leading the market means leading the climate transition. The corporate role is indispensable, and organizations like the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (Cebds) These are essential to give traction to the agenda and strengthen the connection with public authorities. It is up to the government to define the rules, but implementation depends on companies, which have the expertise to scale technologies, mobilize capital, and transform commitments into measurable results.

Brazil has exceptional conditions: a predominantly clean electricity grid; large-scale solar and wind power potential; and the possibility of tripling agricultural production simply by restoring degraded areas.

Our industry already emits fewer gases than European, Chinese, or American industries, creating the potential for a "Brazil Seal" of sustainability, which exports economic value, biodiversity, and sequestered carbon.

Itaú has committed to mobilizing R$ 1 trillion by 2030 in sustainable finance and participated in the first Eco Invest auctions, directing capital to green projects. Meanwhile, Cebds, with approximately 120 member companies, has been a long-standing ally in these transformations.

The carbon market is being structured, and the national sustainable taxonomy is beginning to classify industrial activities.

Companies that position themselves at the forefront of this transformation will be the leaders of the next century. Sustainability and business need to meet. Brazil can conclude COP-30 not only as host, but as a global leader in the transition, transforming commitments into implementation and climate impact into business strategy.