What is a recent trend relating to sustainability worldwide?

Since inception about two decades ago, this report was produced by SustainAbility as a boutique, independent consultancy and think tank. Each year, it explored which long-term sustainability trends were cresting and why, considered the trends’ influence on business, and outlined what the private sector could do in response to advance the sustainable development agenda. SustainAbility was acquired by ERM in 2019. In October 2020, the SustainAbility Institute by ERM (the Institute) launched, and this is the first Trends report produced by the Institute. The 2021 effort is true to our past work, again shining a spotlight on the most dynamic issues influencing corporate sustainability and explaining what companies are doing to address them. But it represents an evolution also. ERM celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Over five decades, the firm has built a leading reputation for excellence in operationalizing sustainability, which to us means bringing corporate sustainability strategy, commitments, and policy to life in every part of an organization, or “from boots to boardroom” as we express it internally. To align with ERM’s approach and expertise, and to help ERM realize its purpose, shaping a sustainable future with the world’s leading organizations, the Institute is designed to produce actionable insight. Our thought leadership and guidance helps our clients and partners understand the evolving sustainability agenda and accelerate the actions they are taking to addr...

Sustainability is not a fad. The recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow broke attendance records as nearly Such strong participation reflects the increasing concerns of both the public and corporate interests over our collective impact on the environment. Sustainable business operations are on the rise as global efforts to establish a more environmentally-friendly society increase. It’s clear that more of us are ready to tackle the climate crisis in better ways. Read on to learn more about sustainable business practices and the top sustainability trends to look out for in 2022. The Four Pillars of Sustainability A well-rounded approach to corporate sustainability should account for the four pillars of sustainability—Social, Human, Economic, and Environmental. Each of these pillars represents an area where businesses should strive for sustainable operations. Social The Social Pillar refers to the broader impact a business has on society at the local, national, or global level. Transparent governance, community consulting, and a culture that promotes beneficial social practices are all ways to remain socially sustainable. For example, your business can foster social sustainability by providing jobs for diverse individuals and groups, making ethical supply chain choices, and setting a positive example as an entity. Fair pay, safe working environments, and an emphasis on enriching employee experience contribute to responsible resource use—a critical element of ...

Contents • 1 Recent trends relating to sustainability worldwide • 1.1 Carbon offsetting continues • 1.2 Renewable energy sourcing • 1.3 Hybrid working reduces company emissions • 1.4 Consumer sentiments on sustainable products • 1.5 ESG is critical for investment • 1.6 All-electric infrastructure implementation • 1.7 More clean air initiatives • 1.8 Penalty actions for lack of climate action • 1.9 From net-zero to climate positive • 1.10 More climate change disclosures Recent trends relating to sustainability worldwide Carbon offsetting continues Eventually, businesses will have more capital to spend. Companies need to give serious thought to who will shoulder this same conservation load of their organization, as well as carbon pricing is a hugely relevant consideration for individuals working in the government service as well as the corporate entities that provide necessary assistance to it. Typical examples are including spending money on projects to increase the use of Renewable energy sourcing Companies are taking charge of their power procurement, which is being discussed and along with reducing emissions. Just look at the major tech companies that have made renewable power a critical element of their product offerings. Companies that rely on fossil fuels are also getting pressure to Hybrid working reduces company emissions Though the blended workplace setup had been initially implemented as a response to the coronavirus disease outbreak, numerous businesses are conti...

A recent trend relating to sustainability worldwide is the growth of the circular economy. The circular economy is an alternative to the traditional linear economy, in which resources are used once and then disposed of. In the circular economy, waste is minimised and resources are kept in use for as long as possible. The circular economy is still in its early stages, but it is already gaining momentum. A number of businesses and governments are beginning to explore how they can implement circular economy principles. There is a long way to go, but the trend is definitely moving in the right direction. Back to top The past few decades have seen a growing awareness of the need for sustainability in both developed and developing countries. This has led to a number of initiatives and policies aimed at promoting sustainable development. Some of the most notable recent trends relating to sustainability worldwide include the following: In 2015, all United Nations member states adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of 17 goals aimed at promoting economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Countries are now working towards these goals, and many have already made progress on some of them. For example,Goal 7 calls for universal access to modern energy services, and countries like India and Kenya have made significant strides in expanding access to clean energy. Companies are increasingly realizing that sustainability is not only good for the environ...

The theme for World Environment Day on 5 June 2021 is ecosystem restoration. The day will also celebrate the launch of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030. The past 18 months have been the most challenging to society, industry and commerce. As we embark on the path to recovery, the broad consensus is to build back better, stronger and, most importantly, greener. This presents an opportunity for the current generation to catalyse change for environmental restoration, with an even greater urgency to tackle the climate crisis, beginning with much-needed changes in society, industry and commerce. These changes will have a significant role in limiting the damage to our environment and supporting the efforts of various organisations involved in restoring our ecosystems. The top 5 trends we are witnessing in 2021 related to Environment and Sustainability will both shape and transform growth and innovation prospects for stakeholders: • Decarbonisation will rise across industry, transport and buildings segments, supported by innovative technologies The recently published International Energy Agency (IEA) report, Net Zero by 2050, estimated the total CO2 emissions in 2020 to be 33.9 Gt, with the power segment accounting for 13.5 Gt, industry at 8.5 Gt, transport at 7.2 Gt and buildings at 2.9 Gt. To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the report based its scenarios on the key pillars of decarbonisation: energy efficiency, behavioural change, electrification,...

Our consulting team answers your commercial questions with data and insights generated by our research experts, industry knowledge and 1,200 on-the-ground analysts in 100 developed, emerging and frontier markets. Curious about how we partner with you to help you solve your complex modern-day business problem? Euromonitor International has identified climate action, circular economy, commodity price volatility, resource security and environmental pollution as the five key trends affecting the global sustainability agenda. Keeping abreast of these trends as they evolve beyond the pandemic and understanding the link between them and business performance will help companies to identify risks and new opportunities related to sustainability. Climate action Globally, average consumption of renewable energy has been rising, with China leading the way. However, COVID-19 caused a crash in oil prices which made renewable energies far less competitive and delayed work on certain solar and wind projects in 2020. Despite initial concerns, solar and wind energies have become the two most resilient energy sources due to COVID‑19 lockdown measures. While electricity output for all other energy sources fell between 2019 and 2020, solar and wind experienced an estimated increase of 1.6% in final consumption. The shift to renewable energies is expected to continue, as action to reduce carbon emissions remains a priority for companies, consumers, investors and governments. According to Euromon...

Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report, from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the UN Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank, and the World Health Organization ( There has been some progress on specific elements of the drive to reach SDG 7 – for example, the increased rate of using renewables in the power sector – but progress is insufficient to reach the targets set forth, in time for the 2030 deadline. Big benefits reaching SDG 7 Reaching the goal, will have a deep and positive impact on people’s health and well-being, helping to protect them from environmental and social risks such as air pollution, and expanding access to primary health care and services. The global energy crisis, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, is expected to stimulate the deployment of renewables and improve energy efficiency, as some governments boost investment. However, IRENA estimates show that international public financial flows in support of clean energy in low and middle-income countries have been decreasing since before the The report also finds that mounting debt and rising energy prices are worsening the outlook for reaching universal access to clean cooking and electricity. More than 80 per cent of the electricity used in Brazil comes from renewable sources. Falling short Current projections estimate that 1.9 billion people will be without clean cooking facilities, and 660 million without electricity access in 2030 if the ...