ECONOMY

Corporate Responsibility

The State of the American Workforce: Layoffs, Job-Switching and a Search for Balance

American workers are worried about a potential recession, even as many continue to seek higher pay or are dissatisfied with their current roles or work environment, according to Morning Consult's annual State of Workers report. 

Gary E. Frank

May 18, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Why ESG Still Matters During Economic Downturns

A majority of U.S. CEOs anticipate needing to pause or scale back their environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts this year due to economic challenges. This business transformation consultant makes the case for ESG in business, even as recession looms.

Mary Riddle

May 16, 2023

Finance

These Venture Capitalists Are on a Mission to Put Companies on Path to Net Zero From Day One

Can venture capital save the planet? The industry is betting a serious amount of money in climate tech startups to prove it can — or at least do its part. Hence the recent launch of the Venture Climate Alliance, a coalition of firms looking to build an industry-wide movement to combat climate change and transition to net zero.

Amy Brown

May 12, 2023

Sponsored

Board Ready: Governance for Responsible Leadership in ESG

ESG Amidst Inflation: 7 Governance Mechanisms That Drive Value Creation in the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry

Running a profitable business in the consumer packaged goods industry isn’t easy, especially when inflation has consumers pinching pennies. Strong corporate governance and commitment from the C-suite are how organizations can manage today’s business requirements and thrive under the opportunities that this new landscape presents.

Andrew Kaminsky

May 5, 2023

Finance

Now is the Time for Investors to Engage with Companies on Nature

With biodiversity loss quickly accelerating across the globe, investors increasingly recognize the quantifiable risks in their portfolios — and many are engaging with companies to take bold actions that reduce their impact on nature.

Leslie Cordes

May 5, 2023

Finance

This Consultancy Connects Diverse Startups with Legacy Companies to Drive Innovation

VentureFuel offers a fresh take on traditional innovation models. It connects established companies with diverse startups to tackle two problems at once: stifled innovation within larger companies and abysmally low levels of diversity in startup funding.

Amy Brown

May 4, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

With Public Opinion on Their Side, Corporations Begin to Fight for ESG

The state-level movement against environmental, social and governance principles in businesses is beginning to run out of steam. Business leaders are pushing back, and a new study from Rokk Solutions indicates that voters on both sides of the political divide are siding with them.

Tina Casey

April 26, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

What Does the New EU Deforestation Ban Mean for Business?

The European Parliament approved a new law last week to ban the import of commodities tied to deforestation, a leading cause of climate change that accounts for about 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. So, what does the new law mean for business, and will the U.S. follow suit?

Mary Riddle

April 25, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

The FTC Moves to Update Its Green Guides, But Can They Have the Desired Effect?

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission plans to update its Green Guides for the first time since 2012. But without stricter enforcement, will the guides really have much clout? Not to mention, how do we define "green" when attempting to solve one problem often creates another?

Riya Anne Polcastro

April 24, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Anti-Woke, Who?: Employees and Customers Want to See Companies Speak Out

Given rising political pushback against environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies in business, many corporate leaders are staying mum about their non-financial programming. But research indicates such a strategy hardly sets companies up for success. 

Mary Mazzoni

April 19, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

New Federal Climate Laws Are Bringing U.S. Manufacturing Back

The Joe Biden administration fought tooth and nail to pass new laws that transform the carbon-heavy U.S. economy into a climate action hero. The results are beginning to show.

Tina Casey

April 19, 2023

Sponsored

Board Ready: Governance for Responsible Leadership in ESG

The Ripple Effect: How Good Governance Builds Outward in Commercial Banking

Governance in the commercial banking industry is complex — if not overwhelming. To shed some light on the topic, we can turn to the example of one bank that has been able to successfully manage its ESG obligations and emerge as a leader.

Andrew Kaminsky

April 17, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Green or Greenwashed: How Retail Can Combat Misleading Claims

In a rush to capitalize on sustainable trends, many retailers have been more focused on marketing the “right” message than actually walking the talk. But forward-thinkers in the industry prove it's possible to communicate with consumers in a way that's engaging, practical and actually accurate.

Melanie Nuce-Hilton

April 14, 2023

Sponsored

Building a Better Tomorrow, Today

How Northwestern Mutual’s Decade-Long Business Case for DEI Challenges the Industry Status Quo

Financial services company Northwestern Mutual saw the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives long before corporations pledged to make them a priority in 2020, launching the first iteration of its companywide diversity and inclusion roadmap over a decade ago.

Gary E. Frank

April 11, 2023

Sponsored

Impact Through Action: Integrating ESG into a Business

Five Reasons to Tune into the Global Inclusive Growth Summit

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and the Aspen Institute will host the 2023 Global Inclusive Growth Summit on Thursday, assembling leaders to shine a spotlight on the power of the private sector to drive scalable and sustainable impact, in partnership with government and social sectors. 

Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

April 10, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

After the Bombshell IPCC Report, the Private Sector Can Close the Gap on Decarbonization

The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reveals that civil society is failing to curb emissions enough to avoid the most catastrophic outcomes of the climate crisis. The private sector has an opportunity to step in and lead the way to a decarbonized world, says Steve Varley of EY.

Mary Riddle

April 10, 2023

Sponsored

Impact Through Action: Integrating ESG into a Business

'Deputized To Be Change Agents': How Mastercard is Working To Move the Needle on Gender Equity

Global gender equality is three centuries away, though equity in the workplace could be achieved in half that time. We sat down with Mastercard’s chief inclusion officer, Randall Tucker, to learn more about how the financial industry can achieve gender equity not just at the office, but in the larger marketplace as well.

Riya Anne Polcastro

April 6, 2023

Finance

Private Equity is Made for ESG Investment, But Don't Leave Money on the Table

Private equity and ESG initiatives have something very important in common: They're both in it for the long haul. This investment banker and environmental, social and governance (ESG) expert explains how to make the most of it.

Chris Hagler

April 6, 2023

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

The Business Case for Second Chances

Second Chance Month is observed nationally every April, with successive White House proclamations over the past six years. So, what are second chance hiring, housing and finance policies, and why are they necessary? Let's take a closer look and explore how major U.S. businesses are getting involved. 

Mary Mazzoni

April 5, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

New SEC Climate Rule Faces Pushback, But Climate Reporting is Here to Stay

Some have criticized the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for moving to mandate climate risk disclosures. Meanwhile, many companies already disclose their climate risk, and investors say they want more of this information, not less.

Tina Casey

April 5, 2023

Finance

Anti-ESG Efforts to Restrict Responsible Investing Will Cost Taxpayers Billions

Anti-ESG legislation in a number of states is poised to cost taxpayers and retirees billions. Now, a group of companies and investors are standing up for their right to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in their decision-making to safeguard investments for the long term.

Mary Riddle

April 4, 2023

Finance

Responsible Investment Requires a Deep Understanding of Water Risks and Opportunities

Water stewardship presents a path to sustainable investment that avoids "greenwashing." Companies interested in true sustainability should pay close attention to the risks and opportunities associated with water, this investment advisor says.

Cindy Bohlen

March 31, 2023

Finance

Invest in Climate Tech the Right Way to Make Money While Cutting Carbon

Investments in climate tech have outstripped those in the broader clean technology space. But can the sector avoid the same bubble that clean tech experienced? This venture capital executive offers actionable tips on how investors can responsibly support climate tech while also earning solid returns.

William Lese

March 30, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

'Anti-Woke' Campaigns Aren't Pushing the Public Away From DEI

Rising backlash against "woke" policies and ideologies has spread into corporate America over recent months, as a subset of right-wing politicians and pundits set their sights on environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in business. But recent research indicates their efforts aren't exactly catching on among the public.

Mary Mazzoni

March 29, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Mandatory Biodiversity Disclosures Are Coming, But Don’t Panic: Steps You Can Take to Prepare

The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) released the fourth beta version of its risk management framework today. It's one step closer to the eventuality of mandatory biodiversity disclosures — and companies should prepare sooner rather than later, says Carolin Leeshaa, TNFD taskforce member and biodiversity lead at KPMG Australia.

Andrew Kaminsky

March 28, 2023

Sponsored

What the World Can Learn From New Zealand About Sustainable Agriculture

Regenerative Agriculture Standards Can Address Consumer Confusion While Bolstering Farmers

Unlike other designations like certified organic, there are no legal definitions for regenerative agriculture. Standardization and communication of regenerative practices and outcomes can help both consumers and producers, while bolstering sustainability across the global food supply chain.

L Blaine Fulmer

March 27, 2023

Finance

Who Pays For Climate Change? Where Countries Falter, Corporations Fund

At the COP27 climate talks in November, world leaders agreed to establish a loss and damage fund to help developing countries cope with the impacts of climate change. But it will be years until the fund is up and running — leaving many questions unanswered, chief among them: Who pays for the climate crisis?  

Patrick McCarthy

March 24, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Gearing Up for ESG Reporting: Insights from Public Company Executives

What are businesses doing to prepare for high-quality sustainability reporting, and what challenges are they uncovering along the way? To find out, Deloitte surveyed 300 public company executives to get a pulse on current trends and sentiment. Here are five takeaways.

Kristen Sullivan

March 24, 2023

Finance

SVB's Collapse Puts the Future of Climate Tech Into Question

Silicon Valley Bank was a top funder for climate and clean tech startups. Its collapse has left a funding gap and plenty of questions. We spoke with Justin Bean, an impact-focused tech executive and author of "What Could Go Right," for some answers.

Mary Riddle

March 23, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Workforce Diversity Disclosures Hit An All-Time High

While some corporate commitments related to racial equity have failed to fully materialize, the area of diversity disclosures in particular is one where companies are stepping up in a big way, with record levels of best-practice disclosure spreading across the world's largest public firms. 

Mary Mazzoni

March 22, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Lowe's Drills Deeper Into Workforce Training

Lowe’s Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the leading hardware, building trades and home goods retailer Lowe's, just launched a new initiative that takes on workforce training with focus on community connections, and it could make all the difference.

Tina Casey

March 16, 2023

Finance

Not Waiting For the SEC: More Companies Dig Into Climate Disclosures

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to release its long-awaited climate disclosure rules in April. But polling from Workiva and PwC indicates that many large companies are not waiting to make progress on their climate-related disclosures.

Mary Riddle

March 16, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Colorism and Texturism Are a Rampant Part of Workplace Racism, Research Shows

TriplePundit spoke with Harvard MBA and author Zee Clarke about how colorism, texturism and racism in general are harming women in the workplace — and what can be done about it.

Riya Anne Polcastro

March 14, 2023

Sponsored

Carbon and Beyond: The ESG and Sustainability Trends Shaping Business Today

Don’t Believe the Hype on EHS: It’s Not Just Another Name for ESG

In the rush to get an environmental, social and governance (ESG) program going, it may be tempting to rebrand your environment, health and safety (EHS) strategy and call it a day. But that would be a mistake. The better move is to treat your existing EHS program as a building block while figuring out what kind of ESG program you want to build. 

Rajiv Jalim

March 14, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Few Companies Are Ready for the New SEC Climate Disclosure Rules, But Experts Say It’s Not Too Late

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has yet to release its climate disclosure rules for public companies, leaving many business leaders to speculate on their eventual leniency. We spoke with supply chain expert Alex Sari about why that is not a good idea — and how companies can proactively prepare instead.

Amy Brown

March 13, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Why Racism in the Environmental Movement Must Be Solved By White People

If you’re a white person who cares about the environment and you wonder why there aren’t more Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) in your climate tech startup, environmental nonprofit or corporate sustainability program, this is for you.

Katharine Bierce

March 9, 2023

Sponsored

Why Smart Leaders Care What Consumers Think About Brand ESG

What ESG Issues Do Consumers Really Care About?

While studies and reports can point companies in the right direction with top-level overviews of trends and industry insights, real-time survey and data collection can dig deeper into what consumers prize in ESG efforts.

Terry E. Cohen

March 8, 2023

Sponsored

What Corporate Sustainability Means in Practice: How Things Really Get Done

How to Grow a Sustainability Pilot Into Reality at Scale

Meta runs multiple pilot programs to improve data center sustainability and cut its overall carbon footprint. The company's data center sustainability lead outlines how it grows these pilot programs from concept to reality.

Miranda Gardiner

March 7, 2023

Finance

Salesforce Boosts Black-Led Nonprofits with Unrestricted Funding

Research finds that increasing access to capital for nonprofits led by people of color and underrepresented groups is critical to closing the wealth gap . Unrestricted funding removes many of the barriers associated with traditional giving that can box underrepresented groups out.

Gary E. Frank

March 6, 2023

Alternative Economies

'Make Them Pay' Campaign Calls Out Private Jets, But Billionaire Climate Philanthropists Disagree

Climate scientists and activists are campaigning to ban private jets and tax frequent flyers out of the skies. Some of the worst offenders are billionaire climate philanthropists who refuse to change their ways.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 28, 2023

Finance

Contradicting Skeptics, New Research Links ESG Performance to the Bottom Line

New research from the Center for Sustainability and Excellence points to the benefits of environmental, social and governance performance. We spoke with Nikos Avlonas, president of CSE, about what the research means for businesses that take ESG seriously.

Amy Brown

February 27, 2023

Sponsored

What Corporate Sustainability Means in Practice: How Things Really Get Done

How the Collective Power of SMEs Can Combat Climate Change

Together, small- and medium-sized enterprises make up 90 percent of all businesses worldwide and affect the livelihoods of more than 2 billion people. Meta and the SME Climate Hub are looking to rally SMEs as change-makers for climate action, one company at a time. 

Mary Riddle

February 27, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Soft Skills Prepare Tech Leaders for the Future of Work

The Tech Lead Development Program was designed by the Autodesk Foundation to equip future tech leaders with the soft skills they need to succeed in the future of work. We sat down with Christine Stoner, executive director of the Autodesk Foundation, to find out more about how the program works.

Rasha Rehman

February 23, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Tesla Missed the ESG Moment, and Twitter Could Bury It

Elon Musk has long cultivated a reputation as the planet-saving, visionary CEO of Tesla, but his personal behavior over recent years — particularly since purchasing Twitter — could put the electric carmaker at risk.

Tina Casey

February 21, 2023

Alternative Economies

Could This Program Help Pave the Way for Universal Basic Income in the U.S.?

Chicago will distribute $500 per month to 5,000 residents for the next year, with the aim of relieving extreme poverty. The success of the program and similar initiatives being tested in U.S. cities could help ignite grassroots calls for a universal basic income, experts say.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 20, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

U.S. SEC Climate Disclosure Rules: What Are They, and How Can You Prepare?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is expected to release its much-anticipated climate disclosure rules for companies this spring. We asked William Theisen, CEO of the climate consultancy EcoAct North America, how leaders can best prepare for what's ahead.

Andrew Kaminsky

February 16, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

How Companies Can Foster Wellbeing in Remote and Hybrid Workplaces

Hybrid and remote work offers flexibility, but research indicates it may come with a downside for some people's mental health. This workplace wellness expert offers advice on how to reduce isolation and increase engagement.

Rasha Rehman

February 14, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

‘World’s Broken Workplaces’ Need to Prioritize Engagement

“The world is closer to colonizing Mars than it is to fixing the world's broken workplaces,” Gallup's annual State of the Workplace Report reads bluntly. So, what are leaders doing wrong, and how can they do things differently?

Amy Brown

February 13, 2023

Alternative Economies

Social Change is Crucial for Climate Action, But Brands Need to Use Their Influence Differently

Consumption patterns and corporate behavior remain prime barriers in the fight against climate change. One plays off the other, with consumers reacting to the constant onslaught of advertising designed to keep them buying. So, what's the deal, and can brands do things differently?

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 9, 2023

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

Black-Owned Businesses Are Outperforming, But They Need More Support

The broader business community has an opportunity to offer their support to amplify the impact Black-owned businesses have in local communities and the economy. 

Mary Mazzoni

February 8, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

A New Year and New Approach to DEI at Agencies

If agencies really want to make a difference in connecting with people of color, they can start by working on the issues and causes that impact and shape our lives, says R/GA CMO and justice reform activist Ashish Prashar.

Ashish Prashar

February 6, 2023

Finance

More Investment is Needed for For Sustainable Aviation To Take Off

"We're beginning to see the kind of commitment we need for sustainable aviation to really take off," but more outside capital is key to push things forward, says Niklas Lund, CEO of aviation investment group Rockton.

Amy Brown

February 6, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

What Do You Want to Read About in 2023?

What kind of stories pique your interest, and what would you like to see us cover more in 2023 and beyond? We want to hear from you! Click the link above for a three-question survey — it'll take less than a minute.

3p Editors

February 6, 2023

Finance

Coal is Totaled. Will Coal-stalgia Continue to Impede Renewable Energy Investment?

A new report from the climate think tank Energy Innovation found the cost of maintaining an existing coal plant is greater than the cost of constructing a new wind or solar farm. Is the U.S. ready to let go, or will cultural coal-stalgia hold us back?

Patrick McCarthy

February 3, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Executive Pens Guide to Career Success for People of Color

Healthcare executive Errol L. Pierre describes his first book as a "leadership book that speaks to people who feel underprivileged, underrepresented and undervalued." We spoke with him about how people of all backgrounds to can reach their professional goals.

Gary E. Frank

January 30, 2023

Finance

Carbon Markets Are Far From Perfect, But Businesses Say They’re Essential

Carbon markets have come under intense scrutiny in recent years due to lack of oversight. Yet almost 90 percent of business leaders believe carbon credits will play a key role in their companies' plans to decarbonize. Can carbon credit rating agencies bring clarity?

Mary Riddle

January 27, 2023

Alternative Economies

The Robot Revolution Will Negate Population Decline, Let’s Make the Most of It

The convergence of a declining population with artificial intelligence (AI) capable of relieving the burden of labor actually presents a unique opportunity in human history — one in which everyone is free to pursue meaningful work with purpose.<br /> <br />

Riya Anne Polcastro

January 26, 2023

Finance

New Taxonomy Released to Combat Greenwashing in Investments

These NGOs claim 1 in 3 activities deemed sustainable in the EU Taxonomy actually cause planetary harm. In response, they've released their own independent, science-based version of the Taxonomy to provide investors with more accurate criteria to assess their work.

Mary Riddle

January 26, 2023

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

Municipal Green Bonds: The Next ESG Battleground

The municipal green bond market could help ensure economic health and resiliency in the era of climate change. But city taxpayers are set to miss out as red-state policymakers continue to wage war against ESG (environment, social and governance) investing.

Tina Casey

January 25, 2023

Alternative Economies

Survey Shows Americans Are Willing to Change Their Lifestyles for the Climate. Bill Gates Disagrees.

Half of respondents to a recent survey say they're willing to abide by the vast majority of lifestyle changes needed to address the climate crisis. Yet billionaires like Bill Gates have been shamelessly using their platforms to blame the state of the climate on the masses.

Riya Anne Polcastro

January 24, 2023

Finance

U.S. Energy Dept. Revives the Loan Programs Office, a Tesla-Scale Decarbonization Tool

The Loan Programs Office is a small but influential government financial resource that counts an early loan to Tesla Motors among its success stories. After doing little under Trump, the office now has a nearly $400 billion loan authority to invest in clean tech companies.

Tina Casey

January 24, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Everything You Need To Know About the New Nature-Related Risk Disclosures

The U.N. Environment Program and S&P Global announced the Nature Risk Profile, a methodology to analyze how companies depend on and impact nature, at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos this week. Here's the need-to-know.

Andrew Kaminsky

January 20, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

CEOs Know 'Business-As-Usual' Isn't Working, But Many Are Too Tapped Out to Change

We've heard it for years — "business-as-usual isn't working" — and the annual PwC CEO Survey indicates executives are well aware. Nearly 40 percent of more than 4,000 responding global CEOs think their companies will no longer be economically viable in a decade if they continue down their current path. 

Mary Mazzoni

January 18, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

The Real Facts About 'Anti-Woke' Legislation

Legislators in some U.S. states have been rushing to protect fossil energy stakeholders with new laws under the guise of safeguarding worker pensions. However, these new “anti-woke” actions are already on track to backfire, according to new predictions.

Tina Casey

January 18, 2023

Sponsored

Making the Cut: Fostering Sustainability and Purpose in the Apparel Sector

The Sustainability Advantages of a Majority-Owned Supply Chain in the Apparel Industry

Unlike other companies in the apparel sector, HanesBrands is in a unique position to implement extensive sustainable practices — due largely in part to a majority ownership of its supply chain. 

L Blaine Fulmer

January 9, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Apologies from Southwest Fall Flat Amid Lack of Purpose and Positive Change

Southwest has attempted to appease holiday travelers stranded during the airline’s mass cancellation of flights, but its pilots’ union is having none of it.

Riya Anne Polcastro

January 6, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

January 6, Two Years Later: Companies Rewarded Election Deniers with $10 Million in Political Donations

Promises by U.S. companies to hold election deniers responsible for the 2021 Capitol riots have largely been forgotten, to the tune of $10 million.

Leon Kaye

January 6, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

3p’s Crystal Ball for 2023: The ESG Trends We See for The Coming Year

Boards face the reality of an evolving workplace. R.I.P. circular economy. Investments in green hydrogen? Here are some trends that will define ESG in 2023.

Leon Kaye

January 6, 2023

Finance

How Two Women in Bolivia Launched Microfinance in Latin America

Microfinance is a powerful tool to tackle poverty; to that end, the Latin American social nonprofit Pro Mujer is helping women launch their own businesses.

Carmen Correa

January 3, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

This New ESG Rating Helps Organizations Achieve DEI Goals

Organizations that are seeking to benchmark their DEI plans have a new set of ESG guidelines to consider, courtesy of IWBI.

Rasha Rehman

January 3, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

The Best TriplePundit Interviews During 2022

Among our top interviews here at TriplePundit were those that focused on equity in the workplace — we list some of our best interviewees here.

Leon Kaye

December 30, 2022

Corporate Responsibility

Happy Holidays! Our Editors’ Picks for the Best of 2022

3p's editors wish you the happiest of holidays — we'll be back on Dec. 27. In the meantime, we'd like to share our editors' picks from 2022 (and late 2021!)

Leon Kaye

December 23, 2022