This paper, Future of ESG – in the balance, is authored following research and discussions by the Thinking Ahead Institute’s Future of ESG working group. Given the increasing demands on professionals’ time, we’ve created a concise, reader-friendly format, rich in infographics, with an estimated reading time of 20–25 minutes.
This research was initiated in 2023, as ESG faced a pivotal identity crisis, marked by a backlash in the US. During the conclusion at a convened event in September 2023, TAI members presented a vision of ESG’s future, featuring terms in a word cloud like “necessary,” “impactful,” and “unstoppable.” Notably, “contested” also surfaced, reflecting the ongoing debate.
ESG is evolving amid a contest over its future. While some question its longevity, the principles behind ESG hold significant common-sense appeal, giving it strong momentum. It’s unlikely to do anything but expand.
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