What is ESG and why is it important to the global economy? (Video)

Concerns about the environment, social issues and corporate governance have become a more important part of investment decisions over the past decade. The increasing emphasis on these three topics, known by their acronym ESG, by business executives and corporations around the world has been criticized by right-wing politicians such as Donald Trump. But the numbers speak for themselves.

The global investment market for companies embracing ESG priorities went from zero at the turn of the century to $29.77 trillion in 2024 as concern about environmental protection, social progress and humane corporate governance has grown.

Check out my short video explainer (above) that concisely summarizes why ESG has become a global phenomenon, despite the doubters. My friend and former Global Business Journalism colleague Cary O’Reilly explains four smart ways to cover ESG issues in a lecture covered by GBJ reporters.