Why Are We Still Debating Whether to Embrace Sustainability?

One of the most interesting aspects of working in the field of corporate climate responsibility (CCR) is how the debates and discussions are generally grounded in reality. In politics, the conversation is all too often focused on whether or not climate change is real, while in the business world -- even within the energy sector -- debate is more often centered on questions related to risk, reward and return on investment. 

A perfect example of the issues facing corporations today arose out of a debate that took place during the COMMIT! Forum earlier this month in New York City. Dr. Aneel Karnani, PhD at the University of Michigan, and Gerald Sullivan, President of the Vice Fund, argued that companies expending resources on corporate responsibility and sustainability destroy economic value.   Defending corporate responsibility were Paul Herman, CEO of HIP investors and Dr. Vinay Nair, PhD at Columbia Business School, who offered empirical insight on how companies that invest in environmental and social initiatives typically perform better in the market than industry averages.   For Climate Counts, an organization founded on the idea that corporations need to be seen as allies in addressing climate change, it was like being on trial. It was a fascinating conversation, but it also seemed to miss the point.   To read more of Climate Counts project director Mike Bellamente’s blog post check out Green Biz or the Climate Counts Blog.

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