The evolution and challenges of ESG and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

From socially responsible investing to comprehensive sustainability criteria

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a set of criteria that investors use to evaluate the sustainability and ethical impact of a company’s operations. The evolution of ESG can be traced back to the early 2000s when socially responsible investing became more prevalent. This approach was focused on screening out companies that were involved in activities such as tobacco, weapons, and fossil fuels.

ESG evolved from this approach to include more comprehensive criteria that consider a company’s impact on the environment, society, and governance. The term ESG gained widespread acceptance in the early 2010s, as more investors began to prioritize sustainability and ethical practices in their investment decisions.

The importance of ESG to investors, customers, employees, regulators, and civil society organizations

Today, ESG criteria are not only of interest to investors but also to a wide range of other stakeholders, including customers, employees, regulators, and civil society organizations.

• Customers are increasingly looking for products and services that are produced sustainably and ethically. Companies that prioritize ESG criteria are more likely to attract and retain customers who share their values.
• Employees are also interested in ESG criteria. Many employees want to work for companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Companies that prioritize ESG criteria are more likely to attract and retain talented employees.
• Regulators are also interested in ESG criteria. In many jurisdictions, regulations require companies to report on their sustainability and ethical practices, and failure to do so can result in fines or other penalties.
• Civil society organizations such as NGOs, advocacy groups, and consumer associations are interested in ESG criteria. These organizations can put pressure on companies to improve their sustainability and ethical practices, and can also advocate for policies and regulations that promote sustainability and ethical practices.

Challenges facing ESG stakeholders in standardization, data reliability, and understanding

There are several challenges that these stakeholders face in implementing and promoting ESG criteria. Here are some of the main challenges:

Investors:

1. Lack of standardization: There is a lack of standardization in ESG reporting, which can make it difficult for investors to compare companies’ performance on ESG criteria.
2. Lack of reliable data: There is a lack of reliable data, particularly in emerging markets, which can make it difficult for investors to assess the sustainability and ethical impact of companies in these markets.
3. Limited understanding: Some investors may have a limited understanding of ESG issues and the potential impact on their investments.

Customers:

1. Limited information: Customers may have limited information about the sustainability and ethical practices of companies, which can make it difficult to make informed purchasing decisions.
2. Cost: Sustainable and ethical products may be more expensive than conventional products, which can be a barrier to adoption for some customers.
3. Greenwashing: Some companies may make false or misleading claims about their sustainability and ethical practices, which can mislead customers.

Employees:

1. Limited understanding: Employees may have a limited understanding of ESG issues and the potential impact on their workplaces.
2. Lack of incentives: Companies may not provide sufficient incentives for employees to prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.
3. Limited job opportunities: There may be limited job opportunities in industries or companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.

Regulators:

1. Limited enforcement: Regulators may have limited resources to enforce ESG regulations.
2. Lack of consistency: ESG regulations may vary across different jurisdictions, which can create challenges for companies that operate in multiple markets.
3. Limited stakeholder input: Regulators may not always consult with stakeholders such as investors, customers, and civil society organizations when developing ESG regulations.

Civil society organizations:

1. Limited resources: Civil society organizations may have limited resources to monitor and advocate for companies’ sustainability and ethical practices.
2. Limited impact: Civil society organizations may have limited impact on companies that prioritize profits over sustainability and ethical practices.
3. Limited access: Some civil society organizations may have limited access to information or stakeholders, which can limit their ability to promote ESG criteria.

Despite these challenges, ESG is likely to continue to grow in importance as investors and companies prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. The development of standardized reporting frameworks, the availability of reliable data, and a focus on genuine commitment to sustainability and ethical practices are all important factors that will contribute to the success of ESG in the future.

A global commitment to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a global call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The development of the SDGs can be traced back to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012, where member states agreed to develop a set of sustainable development goals to replace the Millennium Development Goals.

The SDGs consist of 17 goals and 169 targets that aim to address a range of issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice and strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals.

The principles of universality, integration, and leaving no one behind in the 17 SDGs

The SDGs are based on the principles of universality, integration, and leaving no one behind. This means that the goals apply to all countries, and all sectors of society must work together to achieve them. The SDGs are also integrated, meaning that progress in one goal can contribute to progress in others. Finally, the SDGs aim to leave no one behind, meaning that they are designed to benefit all people, regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

Here is a brief description of each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals:

1. No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms, everywhere.
2. Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
3. Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
4. Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5. Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
10. Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
13. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
14. Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
15. Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss.
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
17. Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Funding, data, climate change, conflict, and COVID-19 as challenges to achieving the SDGs

Despite progress in some areas, there are several challenges facing the SDGs today. One challenge is the lack of funding for SDG-related activities, particularly in developing countries. Another challenge is the lack of data and monitoring systems to track progress towards the goals. In addition, climate change, conflict, and political instability are threatening progress on the SDGs. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for global cooperation and investment in health, education, and social protection systems to achieve the SDGs.

In conclusion, the SDGs represent a global commitment to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Despite progress in some areas, there are several challenges facing the SDGs today, including lack of funding, lack of data, climate change, conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing these challenges will require collective action and commitment from governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve the SDGs and create a more sustainable and equitable world.

Interesting facts

• The global average temperature has already increased by 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, and is projected to continue rising unless action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (IPCC, 2021)
• Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are now at their highest levels in at least 800,000 years, and have increased by 47% since the start of the industrial era. (NASA, 2021)
• The rate of species extinction is currently 1,000 times higher than the natural rate, with up to one million species at risk of extinction. (IPBES, 2019)
• Since 1970, global populations of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles have declined by an average of 68%. (WWF, 2020)
• Human activities have caused a 50% increase in the flow of nitrogen into the global nitrogen cycle, and a 700% increase in the flow of phosphorus since the mid-20th century. (EAT-Lancet Commission, 2019)
• Land use changes such as deforestation, conversion of grasslands to croplands, and urbanization have transformed more than 75% of the Earth’s ice-free land surface. (IPCC, 2019)
• Land use changes are responsible for about 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and can have negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Since the industrial era began, the pH of the ocean’s surface waters has decreased by 0.1 pH unit, representing a 26% increase in acidity. (NOAA, 2021)
• More than two billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress, and this number is expected to increase as population growth and climate change exacerbate water scarcity. (UN Water, 2021)
• Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater, accounting for around 70% of global water withdrawals. (FAO, 2021)