Companies Are Announcing Sustainability Pledges, But More Needs to be Done

The proportion of experts who say progress on sustainable development has been poor has increased from 49% to 54% over the past two years

Even corporate executives are being recognized for their efforts. Green Biz released a study called "20 C-suite sustainability champions for 2021." Companies mentioned include GM, Starbucks and Solvay. Even Barbie is in on the trend with Lisa McKnight; Senior Vice President, Global Head of Barbie; Mattel noted as a champion of the environment.

While all of these are positive moves, there is still work to be done. The SustainAbility Institute of ERM, asked 500 experienced sustainability professionals in 75 countries to evaluate the progress that has been made on sustainable development as measured against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Experts were also asked how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact the progress of the goals.

● Sustainability professionals continue to be critical about overall progress made on sustainable development. The proportion of experts who say progress on sustainable development has been poor has increased from 49% to 54% over the past two years, with European experts and those working in the Academic and Research sectors being the most negative about global progress.

● Experts agree that Climate Action (#13) is the most urgent of the sustainable development goals. When asked to pick the three goals that require the most urgent action, 61% chose Climate Action, followed by Life on Land, Reduced Inequalities, and Sustainable Production and Consumption (#12) (each mentioned by 22% of respondents).

● More than half of experts say the COVID-19 pandemic will slow progress on the goals. When asked how the current pandemic and its economic impacts will affect society’s progress toward achieving the goals over the coming decade, as many as 54% believe that the outbreak will impede advancement. Thirty-six percent instead say it will accelerate positive change, while only one in ten say it will not make any difference.

These pessimistic views upset Mark Lee, director at The SustainAbility Institute by ERM. "It is a great concern that experts continue to rate progress on the SDGs as poor overall and worse today than two years ago, and even more worrisome that they perceive the least progress on the Goals seen as most urgent: Climate Action, Life on Land, Reduced Inequalities, and Sustainable Production and Consumption,” he said in a statement.” The Goals’ ambition and promise are still there, but society must accelerate efforts to deliver them. ehstoday.com