A majority ( 56% ) of global investors believe that US President Donald Trump’s pro-fossil fuel and anti-clean energy agenda will hamper the net-zero transition, but that momentum will recover once US leadership changes, according to a recent survey.

At present, nearly six in 10 ( 59% ) investors say that they will see how the new US policy agenda develops further before making investment decisions involving assets likely to be affected by President Trump’s proposed changes to US policies and regulations, finds Dutch asset manager Robeco’s 5th Global Climate Investing Survey of 300 investors.

Against this finding, investor majorities in Europe ( 58% ) and Asia-Pacific ( 62% ) agree that in future they will be more likely to look outside the US for investments in areas such as climate solutions, transitioning companies and renewable energy.

Source: Robeco Global Climate Investing Survey 2025

However, there is the growing concern among investors, the study points out, about the lack of consistent government support for net-zero goals. Many feel they have made significant commitments towards achieving net zero by 2050, but that policy frameworks have not kept pace. This perceived imbalance, the survey notes, is creating uncertainty and prompting calls for more reliable and coordinated action from policymakers.

There are also marked regional differences on the lack of supportive economic policies from government as a barrier to decarbonization: 41% of Asia-Pacific investors and 39% of North American investors cite this as a significant barrier compared with only 25% of European investors. Legislation and regulation in Europe supporting net zero remains strong.

Around three-fifths of European ( 62% ) and Asia-Pacific ( 59% ) investors still prioritize climate change in their investment policies – slightly reversing last year’s results, which had Asia in the lead. In contrast, only 23% of North American investors now place climate change at the centre of their investment approach.

“While many investors remain committed to climate goals, the overall prioritization of climate change in investment strategies is showing signs of decline, particularly at the global level,” says Lucian Peppelenbos, Robeco’s climate and biodiversity strategist. “This underscores the importance of staying focused and adaptable. We recognize that our clients are navigating a complex and evolving landscape, with varying levels of policy support and market confidence.”