Sustainability topics continue to be in the spotlight—from extreme weather events to global convenings like the UN General Assembly, Climate Week and COP16 and 29. It can be challenging to keep up with the rapidly evolving sustainability landscape and what it means for companies, especially those in the business of health. Below are some of the most relevant updates and trends we’re keeping tabs on:
Getting “smarter, not silent” on sustainability
Amid US-driven pushback against environmental, social and governance (ESG) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), many communications departments are shifting resources (and focus) from storytelling to fact-checking, which, could lead to “greenhushing”—a damaging information gap. Yet, we anticipate a new wave of sustainability, driven by increased regulatory pressures, economic focus on climate and influence of younger generations. To minimize greenwashing and prepare for this new wave, companies should prioritize transparent, data-driven sustainability storytelling that complements broader corporate narratives and minimizes risk.
Going nature positive
A new sustainability topic has been steadily growing in prominence: biodiversity loss, or the destruction of wildlife and nature, which can have catastrophic effects on our ecosystems. There is a global goal to be “nature positive” by 2030 (to halt and reverse nature loss). At COP16, a global UN convening on biodiversity, leaders are calling for more guidance on how companies can help preserve nature and measure their impact, yet companies shouldn’t wait to do so. In addition to climate, water and waste considerations, companies should be thinking about how to minimize their impact on nature, and when communicating about those actions, emphasize how they relate to their business (e.g., minimizing supply chain disruptions).
Linking human and planet health
For the first time, “health” was a core theme at this year’s Climate Week NYC, with conversations on how climate change impacts, like extreme heat and poor air quality, directly threaten human health. And at the UN General Assembly, leaders approved a political declaration on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with measurable targets. Health-focused companies are in a unique position to highlight the environmental/human health connection and their role in addressing both. Companies that produce antimicrobials should also highlight responsible manufacturing and environmental practices and partnerships and efforts to help address, and raise awareness of, AMR.
Enhancing sustainability disclosures
With Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) implementation on the horizon, representatives from major sustainability reporting frameworks (e.g., Global Reporting Initiative, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) are calling for convergence and consistency in reporting. The Task Force on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures (TISFD) officially launched at Climate Week—to create a framework for companies to disclose and manage inequality and social-related risks, opportunities and impacts. Regardless of which reporting framework(s) become(s) the industry standard, companies should prioritize greater transparency and third-party verification, considering digital tools for streamlined data collection and reporting.
There is so much for companies to consider when communicating about sustainability and ESG topics in the rapidly evolving landscape. The Syneos Health® Social Impact team within our Corporate Affairs Practice is here to help. Reach out to [email protected] to learn more.
