Sustainability scores in 2025 In 2025, the sustainability dimension advanced modestly, with a 1.2% gain marking a continued upward trend. The improvement was driven by incremental gains in energy intensity and a steady rise in the share of clean energy within the total primary energy mix (+3.1%). Global emissions intensity also improved slightly (+1.6%), reflecting gradual shifts to cleaner fuel mixes and technological upgrades. Some regions struggled to maintain momentum due to weak policy enforcement, rising industrial energy demand and limited access to clean energy finance. While CH4 management and renewable adoption advanced in parts of Asia and Latin America, other regions saw stagnation or minor regressions. On average, the share of clean energy in the primary energy mix for ranked countries reached 14.8% in 2025, up from 14.4% in 2024 – a positive trajectory, though still far from levels needed to align with long-term climate goals. In particular, clean electricity generation (from renewables and nuclear) rose to 49% of global power generation, an encouraging milestone on the path towards the 90% clean power share needed to reach net zero by 2050. This progress was underpinned by record- breaking growth in installed renewable capacity – with 585 gigawatts (GW) added in 2024 – a 15.1% y-o-y increase and the fastest expansion on record. Renewables accounted for 92.5% of all new power capacity additions, driven largely by solar and wind alongside steady contributions from hydropower and a modest nuclear rebound.55 Regional divergence Regional sustainability outcomes revealed that, while some regions made steady gains, others continued to face rising energy intensity, stagnant clean energy shares or slow emissions reductions. Sustainability dimension regional overview, 2016-2025 TABLE 9 Geographic group2025 average scoreOne- year trend10-year trend Key takeaways Opportunities Challenges Advanced economies57.6 2.4% 14.6%Advanced economies had the greatest improvement in sustainability in 2025, supported by greater clean energy shares and a steady decline in carbon intensities. CO2 emissions fell by 1.1% to 10.9 billion tonnes in 2024 – a level last seen 50 years ago.56 –Well above average deployment of clean energy –Decoupling of economic growth and energy demand –Decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors –High energy and emissions per capita (despite progress) –High CH4 emissions, accounting for around 12% of greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily from agriculture and fossil fuels57 Emerging Asia55.5 0.7% -0.7%Emerging Asia showed a tentative rebound after years of rising emissions and energy intensity. –Improved energy intensity –High emission intensity –High dependence on fossil fuels like coal –Below-average use of clean energy driving considerable growth potential Emerging Europe58.2 1.6% 3.6%Emerging Europe sustained progress through lower energy and carbon intensity and increased use of clean energy. –Improved energy efficiency –Rising clean energy share –High dependence on coal in some countries –High CH4 emissions Latin America and the Caribbean 62.8 0.3% 3.0%Latin America and the Caribbean remained stable, with moderate progress in reducing energy intensity. –Historically low carbon mix –High renewable potential (hydro) –Slow(er) diversification beyond hydropower in the energy mix –Lags behind in share of clean energy in the final energy mix Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan39.5 0.9% 3.3%Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan improved from a low base, reflecting increased use of clean energy. –Rapid clean energy growth –Emerging efficiency focus –Structural reliance on fossil fuels across the region –Clean energy still accounting for a limited share of total supply Sub-Saharan Africa62.8 0.5% 2.5%Sub-Saharan Africa made incremental gains despite structural hurdles in clean energy adoption (biomass accounting for two-thirds of energy use)58 and emissions intensity. –Low emissions per capita –High clean energy potential –High energy intensity driven by inefficient biomass use –Insufficient growth in clean energy use Source: World Economic Forum. Fostering Effective Energy Transition 202530