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With corporates controlling much of global assets, it is only fair they help curb inequalities in income.

Creative Destruction refers to the way that new technologies and industries can replace existing ones, causing the destruction of the old while creating something new and better. In the early '90s, it was difficult to visualize the power of digitisation. The cycle of innovation in Sustainability is just getting started and the future looks bright.

Despite increasing criticism, ESG investing with a long-term sustainable strategy is beneficial to society. AUM under ESG Investing is expected to reach US$ 33.9 trillion by 2026.

ESG is an idea whose time has come, and companies should consider incorporating ESG into their decision-making not only under investor pressure but also for self-interest.

As the world tackles the threat of climate change and moves towards a net zero future, the critical role that consumers will play is becoming evident. As sustainable products emerge, consumers can accelerate the transition to Net Zero. Dr Mukund Rajan and Shail Vani have co-authored an article on the consumer angle in the transition to Net Zero.

The initiatives on funding, innovation, water security and behavioural change are noteworthy. But these must be executed well.

This millennium has seen a rash of sustainability disclosure frameworks like never before, much to the consternation of companies who are expected to report on! A few mandatory ones have emerged such as the EU’s Non-Financial Reporting Directive mandatory, while India’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) mandated for the top 1000 listed companies in India is an interesting example from the emerging economies.

Usually, blame for business failures is apportioned to external factors such as adverse business cycles, badly framed government regulations and lack of infrastructure. Often the causes lie within: from short term thinking to destruction of natural resources, and exploitation of labour. To outlast competition, build resilience, gain competitive advantage and achieve greater returns in the long run, businesses must improve their performance on material ESG metrics. Outlast: How ESG Can Benefit Your Business, co-authored by Dr Mukund Rajan is a clarion call to corporate leaders to follow the pathway of ESG.