The ES(g) Dilemma

If we are to give in to the popularity and idealism of policy makers and environmentalists, it would seem that we have an answer to the ESG paradox that has plagued the investment world for about two decades and triggered so many debates as to whether for-profit organizations can really aid in preserving the environment and encourage sustainable and ethical investment behaviour.

At the time of typing this, Google returns 508,000,000 results on the term; a hot topic by any standard. So, what is ESG after all? "ESG" is a concept or rather a set of standards purporting to balance financial outcomes against the impact business has on society, the environment and corporate governance. Nowadays, strong ESG scores act as a corporate badge of honour as they (appear) to attest to an organization's (a) environmental footprint and response to climate change, such as on reduction of carbon emissions and waste production; (b) relationship and responsibility towards people,