Was 2025 the year that business retreated from net zero?

The article suggests that in 2025, there was a significant retreat from the commitments made by various businesses towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Despite the bold pledges made by companies across different sectors, such as retailers, banks, carmakers, and councils, many have started to prioritize shareholder returns over climate action. The article notes that this shift in focus coincided with the return of Donald Trump to the White House, who called for the fossil fuel industry to "drill baby, drill." This suggests that the political landscape may have played a role in the business community's retreat from their net-zero commitments. The article implies that this trend of companies watering down or even scrapping their carbon-neutral pledges is a concerning development in the fight against climate change, as it undermines the progress that was previously made towards a more sustainable future.