Delivering, not just declaring: How businesses are advancing Scope 3 action in a shifting US landscape

As political debate continues to shape the climate narrative in the United States, many assumed that corporate climate ambition would fade. Instead, the opposite appears true: companies are acting, sometimes more quietly, but with a greater focus on delivery.

According to PwC, over 4,000 companies reported climate targets to CDP in 2024, a nine-fold increase in five years. More than a third of these businesses are raising their ambitions. Despite the uncertainty, this trend signals that the private sector is moving beyond pledges and taking practical steps towards decarbonisation.

Accountability through credibility

While public discourse around climate action may fluctuate, the US legal landscape has become a powerful driver of accountability. Greenwashing litigation and class actions are rising sharply, with more than 150 cases recorded as of April 2025. This reflects growing expectations for verified data, transparent systems, and credible claims.

Preferred by Nature supports companies in meeting these expectations. Through globally recognised certification, verification, and advisory services, we help organisations build systems that align with sustainability commitments. Our work strengthens responsible sourcing, traceability, risk assessment, monitoring, and performance verification.

Our teams operate in more than 100 countries, providing solutions that cover forestry, agriculture, biomass, climate, ecosystems and travel. For many companies, this work forms the foundation for addressing Scope 3 emissions with integrity and ensuring that commitments translate into measurable progress across supply chains.

Moving towards system resilience

The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that heat extremes and climate impacts are intensifying, reinforcing the need for adaptation as well as mitigation. As businesses move beyond carbon tunnel vision, they are increasingly integrating biodiversity, regenerative agriculture, and social responsibility into their climate strategies.

With over three decades of experience, Preferred by Nature has worked with businesses, smallholders, NGOs and governments to develop practical solutions to deforestation, climate change and social equity. Our Sustainability Framework, which underpins our Preferred by Nature Certification programme, and field-level verification systems help companies align their Scope 3 strategies with broader ecosystem and community outcomes, ensuring that climate action also strengthens resilience on the ground.

A platform for practical collaboration: Scope 3 Innovation Forum USA

These themes will take centre stage at the Scope 3 Innovation Forum USA, organised by Innovation Forum, and held on 3–4 December 2025 in Washington, D.C. Under the theme “How supply chain transformation can drive business adaptation and resilience on the route to net zero,” the event will convene more than 150 industry leaders representing companies such as Colgate-Palmolive, Michelin, Amazon and Mondelēz International.

As a marketing partner for the Forum, Preferred by Nature supports efforts to highlight practical, credible pathways for Scope 3 action. Discussions will explore the business case for addressing Scope 3 emissions, focusing on regulatory requirements, greater supply chain transparency, and meeting customer and investor expectations. 

Sessions will also look at how supplier partnerships, internal alignment, and the integration of nature and culture in corporate strategies can support these goals. Through interactive sessions and confidential dialogues following the Chatham House Rule, participants will focus on what is working, where challenges remain, and how businesses can practically move beyond compliance to achieve genuine transformation.

Preferred by Nature’s contribution

Kirstin Skyrm, Sustainability Specialist at Preferred by Nature, will lead a roundtable discussion on regenerative agriculture during the event. The session will explore practical examples of how supplier partnerships and landscape-level collaboration can connect decarbonisation goals with resilience and restoration.

Her participation reflects Preferred by Nature’s ongoing efforts to help businesses integrate credible sustainability practices across their supply chains and bridge the gap between corporate ambition and field-level impact.