An article recently published by Cooley PubCo lays out how the recent backlash against ESG can be an opportunity for organizations to reevaluate their ESG strategies. The authors highlight the perspective by The Conference Board (TCB), that while initially negative ESG backlash can seem like a setback, it actually, “can be a clarifying moment for companies.” In a recent survey conducted by TCB, half of the companies indicated experiencing some form of ESG backlash, with concerns ranging from industry-specific challenges (26%) to broader societal opposition (20%) and targeted criticisms against the company (18%).

Rather than viewing backlash as a negative, companies are encouraged to proactively engage with stakeholders, addressing concerns, and communicate the positive impact of their ESG initiatives. By embracing the perspective from The Conference Board, companies can transform moments of criticism into opportunities for positive change, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable practices and long-term value creation.

How does your organization deal with negative backlash from ESG practices? How do you think green-washing plays into negative backlash in the ESG sphere?

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