ARTICLES
The ESG Factor Features
Curated editorial features from The ESG Factor — exploring the intersection of sustainability, accountability, and the global forces shaping responsible business today.

Corporate Indifference: The ESB’s Coal Legacy in Colombia
Over the last two decades the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) has imported coal from the Cerrejón mine in Colombia to help power the national grid in Ireland. While the majority state-owned enterprise has made significant efforts to move to cleaner energy sources, the accumulated legacy impact of coal purchases on communities, such as in this region, must be addressed. This is an opportunity for the ESB to showcase their commitment to sustainability and the credibility of their transition plan. How they act will reflect on the people of Ireland.

U.S. Presidential Election: Will Decency Matter to Voters?
The President reflects the country, its people, and their values. When people vote in November, they should choose a leader who, at the very least, has a sense of decency. When the President lacks decency in how they speak and treat others, it empowers others to act the same way. The outcome of the election will shape not only the future of the United States but also influence global efforts to build a more secure and sustainable world.

The ESB’s Colombian Coal Habit
Over the last two decades the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) has imported coal from the Cerrejón mine in Colombia to help power the national grid in Ireland. While the majority state-owned enterprise has made significant efforts to move to cleaner energy sources, the accumulated legacy impact of coal purchases on communities, such as in this region, must be addressed. This is an opportunity for the ESB to showcase their commitment to sustainability and the credibility of their transition plan. How they act will reflect on the people of Ireland.

Authentic. Is the transition plan credible?
Policymakers across the globe are in broad agreement that we need to transition to a sustainable economy, albeit there are differences on how to get there, when we’ll get there and what it looks like. It is critical that all the talk of “transition” is not just another way for leaders to deflect from taking the tough decisions that are needed today.

Peace is the goal, war is the reality
Peace. Goal 16 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to “Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies”. Yet war and conflict continues to rage. UN resolutions for a ceasefire are meaningless, when the most powerful countries follow their own rules.

When financial sustainability takes a back seat
From purpose driven to bankruptcy – a lesson from AppHarvest