Forum for the Future is a global sustainability organisation collaborating with business, governments and civil society to accelerate transitions in food, energy and the purpose of business. Founded in 1996, the organisation applies futures thinking and systems change to support a just and regenerative future for people and planet.

This month’s sustainability roundup traces a rapidly evolving landscape in climate finance and accountability, spotlighting the weaknesses exposed by Hurricane Melissa’s disaster-risk finance system alongside new policy frameworks now reshaping sustainable investment. It highlights how vulnerable nations continue to bear the costs of climate impacts, how regulatory reforms such as Australia’s 2035 emissions target and global disclosure regimes are embedding accountability, and how renewed scrutiny of carbon markets is driving the search for credible, incentive-based pathways to real decarbonisation.

The Drivers of Behavioural Change and Non-Change in Transition Times report, published by IpBc/GIECo in 2025, examines psychological, social, and organisational factors influencing why individuals and institutions act—or fail to act—on sustainability. Drawing on behavioural science, it identifies mindsets, emotions, implicit cognition, and systemic barriers as key determinants of ecological and climate-related behavioural shifts.

The Sustainable Development Report is a benchmark series that tracks global and national progress toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Produced annually by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and partners, it presents the SDG Index and Dashboards, offering comparable data, analysis, and trends for all UN member states.

This report summarises principles for developing a wellbeing-focused federal budget in Australia. It recommends integrating wellbeing goals into policy and budgeting, strengthening data and accountability, investing in long-term and preventative analysis, enhancing public service capability, and ensuring ongoing community engagement to guide decision-making and measure progress.

The report introduces the concept of Regenerative Good Growth (RGG) as an alternative to extractive GDP-focused models. It argues that economic progress should regenerate five renewable capitals, natural, social, human, cultural, and sustainable physical, while ensuring fairness, engagement, and reduced environmental harm. RGG promotes inclusive, low-carbon, and nature-positive transitions through diverse public participation.

This report presents an updated “Doughnut” framework, tracking 35 social and ecological indicators from 2000–2022. Findings show only modest progress on reducing deprivation, while ecological overshoot has worsened, with wealthier nations driving most impacts. The study highlights stark inequalities and calls for regenerative, distributive economic approaches.

International Resource Panel (IRP) is a science-policy platform established by United Nations Environment Programme in 2007. It produces peer-reviewed assessments and data such as the Global Material Flows Database to guide governments, industry and civil society on resource efficiency, sustainable use, circular economy and environmental impact.

The Point of No Returns benchmark series assesses the world’s largest asset managers on responsible investment across climate, biodiversity, social issues, governance, and stewardship. Published by ShareAction, the series provides rankings, sector-wide analysis, and examples of practice to guide improvement and accountability.

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is an independent, non‑partisan, non‑profit focused on transforming global energy systems. It delivers market‑driven, clean energy and decarbonisation solutions—spanning policy, industry and communities—to advance affordable, zero‑carbon futures. RMI supports rapid energy transition and sustainable development through research, analysis and global collaboration.

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) is a leading interdisciplinary German research institute advancing the science of climate impacts and global sustainability. With around 480 international staff, PIK conducts Earth-system modelling, integrated analysis and policy advisory to support evidence-based climate solutions. Member of the Leibniz Association.

Sustainable investing strategies that reallocate capital from brown to green firms may unintentionally worsen environmental outcomes. This study finds that green firms show minimal environmental improvement from lower capital costs, while brown firms become more polluting when financially constrained. Current investment approaches offer weak incentives for impactful emissions reductions.

This report examines the limitations of current bank decarbonisation targets and proposes design reforms to align with net zero. It analyses scope coverage, target types, and sector alignment, offering practical recommendations for enhancing climate credibility and effectiveness in financial institutions’ transition planning.

The University of Adelaide, established in 1874, is Australia's third-oldest university and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight. Ranked among the top 100 globally, it offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Located in Adelaide, South Australia, the university is renowned for its research excellence and vibrant campus life.

This report identifies significant planning, finance, and data gaps in climate investment needed to transition global agrifood systems. Annual climate finance must increase by at least 40 times to USD 1.1 trillion by 2030. Current national commitments underestimate actual requirements, highlighting the need for clearer targets and improved data collection.

This report outlines three systemic shifts needed to align finance with sustainability: policy reform to drive market incentives, mindset changes to embrace long-term value, and structural financial changes to embed environmental and social risks. It highlights barriers and proposes actions to support an inclusive, sustainable economic transition.