Why has the ESG movement come to pass now? Were there fewer human rights abuses 20 or 30 years ago? Was there less gender, ethnic, or LGBT discrimination? Was corporate governance better in 2000 (as the Enron and other dot.com scandals loomed)? Was climate change not on the radar? In fact, it was, but too few took it to heart; or too many in control were economically adverse to considering it seriously. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 to focus the world’s attention there. 

Questions 

1. Is shared value automatically created when a corporation takes ESG factors into consideration in its decision making? Explain. If not, what is the required link between ESG and stakeholder value? 

2. Consider the industry or profession you plan to enter and the role you hope to achieve in your career. Identify two or three key ways in which these are likely to be impacted by climate change and other ESG factors. What ESG-based strategies do you think will be most important for you and that industry or profession to thrive? Explain.