Simon Derrick
Founder, Sustainable Business Alliance
With increasing global uncertainty, now is the time to embed sustainability into business strategy — for resilience, growth and real-world results.
As the world faces economic uncertainty, political backtracking and growing scepticism around sustainability commitments, the once-celebrated era of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting is being questioned. In some quarters, it’s being pronounced dead — dismissed as burdensome, bureaucratic or ineffective.
Yet, the truth is, the challenges that gave rise to ESG have not disappeared. In fact, in many cases, they have only become more pronounced. The climate crisis, rising inequality and environmental degradation continue to escalate. In 2023, over 43 million people were displaced by extreme weather. Record temperatures were recorded. Biodiversity loss accelerated.
If ESG, in its current form, is losing relevance, what’s next?
What’s needed now is not more reporting for reporting’s sake, but strategy. Embedded, practical, real-world strategies that integrate sustainability into the heart of a business. Not an initiative on the side or a badge to show off once a year, but a way of thinking and operating that is woven into everyday decision-making. Crucially, it must unlock opportunities for resilience and profitable growth in an ever-changing world.
Many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are ready to act. However, there’s too much noise: too many frameworks, too many conflicting signals, too little clarity. That confusion can lead to hesitation — or worse, inaction. This is where the shift must happen. From compliance to clarity. From audits to action. From intention to impact.
In 2023, over 43 million people
were displaced by extreme weather.
Purposeful sustainability support
Support is out there — from practical toolkits to accessible initiatives like the Sustainable Business Alliance Accreditation Framework, launching on 7th July. Developed in collaboration with academic and industry experts, the framework helps businesses build clear, tailored strategies for resilience and growth. It uses reporting not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a way to measure and communicate meaningful progress. In this model, reporting becomes a reflection of strategy, not a substitute for it.
This World Environment Day, let’s move beyond compliance. Because while ESG may be faltering, the responsibility we face to our planet, people and future is more alive than ever.
