But what about other seemingly “less obvious” industries? A new consciousness about what we eat has led to an exciting discussion about the part that our food plays in the climate crisis, from the dangerous gases emitted by cows that are bred for beef to the grain being shipped all over the world to feed them, not to mention the incredible impact that it takes to transport the finished product across the globe.
The recent boom in plant-based foods is a direct response to this. The founders in that sector often evangelise not only about the effects of their products on our personal choices, such as our health and our empathy towards animals, but also on our impact on the environment.
Looking at the numbers, it’s hard to argue with their logic, yet it’s taken this new focus on our relationship with the planet to bring this discussion to the attention of a population that might not otherwise have considered it. Whether this plant-based boom is sustainable or not is another conversation, but it’s an overall trend that most people believe is here to stay.
But here’s the crucial bit: electric cars generally go just as fast as gas-fuelled vehicles. And vegan burgers often taste just as good as their beef counterparts. There’s plenty of room for improvement in these and all other sectors, but the point is clear: if you offer consumers a solution that is just as good as (or even better than) what they’re used to and is good for the environment too, they will usually embrace it. Why wouldn’t they?
Environmentally-friendly solutions have not come at the expense of quality. On the contrary, they are driving improvement.
What’s Next?
ESG is here to stay. But rather than view it merely as another piece of investment criteria or a fundraising box to tick, I hope we can let it inspire us all to think of the kind of future we want to create.
As World Earth Day rolls around again, there’s never been a more important time to think about our impact on the environment and what the business community can be doing to lead the way.
The technology sector has always been about innovation, about dreaming up new solutions and shaping the future in ways that others could not have foreseen. But whatever kind of future we envisage – whether it’s the smart cities in which we live, the electric planes and cars in which we travel, or the low-impact food we consume – it will now have to be done with the planet in mind.
As the ESG movement speeds from the fringes of our business towards its very heart, I for one am happy to be along for the ride, and to feel inspired by the many exciting opportunities it is helping to create.
