Read time: 10 mins
8 sustainability trends driving business in 2017
In recent years sustainability has risen up the global agenda. World leaders recognise the need for sustainable change and are moving to action it. The Paris Agreement, entered into force in 2016 signaling a new era of international climate action. In the same year for first time, G20 Leaders referenced the importance of greening the financial system in the summit’s annual Communiqué. There has also been a cumulative drive to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which if implemented could unlock at least $12 trillion in market opportunities by 2030 and create up to 380 million jobs, according to a report released this week by the Business and Sustainable Development Commission.
Global economies and business environments are shifting, and businesses need to adapt to these trends in order to succeed.
This 2017 Trends Briefing from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) highlights the key developments that business leaders need to anticipate and respond to.
The Sustainability Trends Briefing explores:
- The implications of the Paris Agreement on governments and industry
- The need to rewire the global economy to ensure the future of our planet and species
- The increase of cities and states taking the lead in sustainable developments
- Rising social inequality and disengagement following the uneven distribution of costs and benefits of global economic growth and industrial innovation
- Innovative disruption and business opportunities (including cross-industry collaboration)
CISL and GetSmarter have produced this briefing to help business leaders drive meaningful change that will lead to a more sustainable global economy.
CISL and GetSmarter have also collaborated to offer an online short course in Business Sustainability Management – granting business leaders the opportunity to become drivers of meaningful change.
The course gives working professionals the tools to argue for, strategise and implement sustainable business practices. Additionally, successful completion of the course grants students access to a global network of like-minded sustainability professionals and business leaders.