Corporate Sustainability Is in Crisis. What Should Companies Do Now?

The article addresses the current crisis in corporate sustainability, highlighting a regression driven by political shifts, social polarization, and backlash against sustainability efforts, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. Despite this short-term setback, the authors argue that long-term planetary realities, advances in renewable energy (notably driven by China), and emerging sustainable business models will eventually restore and strengthen corporate sustainability commitments. They advise companies to pragmatically navigate this uncertain period by focusing on long-term resilience, integrating sustainability with innovation, emphasizing core values, and leveraging localization, rather than abandoning or idealistically pressing ahead with sustainability agendas. The article underscores that while sustainability faces challenges today, it remains an inevitable and critical priority for future corporate strategy.