ERM’s quarterly trends outlook delivers a clear, up‑to‑date overview of the top sustainability issues shaping private-sector strategy. In this edition, we explore four critical corporate sustainability macrotrends that are driving executive decision‑making today.
download reportTrends include:
Nature credits and finance in focus as risks mount
- Companies face mounting nature-related risks, while significant gaps remain between nature-related ambitions and actions.
- Nature financing instruments mature as investors integrate nature into investment strategies and mobilize capital to support nature-positive outcomes.
- Increasing demand is driving rapid growth in nature credits markets, as organizations look to capitalize on financing and mitigation benefits.
Workplace stressors increase as job environment evolves
- Climate change is putting millions of workers at risk, prompting companies to adopt mitigation measures.
- Companies are reevaluating and restructuring workforces while employees prioritize job security as job markets shift and economies evolve.
- With AI reshaping the workplace, both technology and non-technology companies are prioritizing digital upskilling initiatives.
Companies continue product sustainability efforts
- Global treaty negotiations to curb plastic pollution have stalled even as health and environmental concerns rise.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations are compelling companies to change approaches to product design and packaging.
- Companies are accelerating efforts to reduce waste, repurpose materials, and adopt innovative alternatives.
Renewable energy expansion faces critical moment
- The world is at risk of falling short of its 2030 target to triple renewable energy capacity.
- U.S. policy shifts are spurring uncertainty about the future of renewable energy despite strong solar and wind deployment.
- Renewable energy continues to gain momentum nearly everywhere.
