Sustainability officers are now an endangered species.
This week, I spoke with a group of sustainability officers navigating a corporate landscape where terms like CSR, ESG, and climate change have become politically charged. Many companies are pulling back from public commitments on sustainability—not necessarily because the urgency has diminished, but because the risk of political backlash has grown.
In this environment, nature and biodiversity are emerging as safer entry points for corporate sustainability efforts. While climate change is often framed as a divisive issue, nature remains broadly accepted across political and ideological lines.
Why nature is a less controversial framing
Many companies are using nature as a strategic way to maintain environmental commitments while avoiding political entanglements. Here’s why:
- Universality and positive connotations – Nature is widely seen as something to be cherished, regardless of political views. Protecting forests, oceans, and biodiversity carries fewer ideological conflicts than decarbonization mandates or carbon pricing.
- Reduced partisanship – Climate discussions frequently spark debates over regulations, economic costs, and industry impact. In contrast, nature-based initiatives—such as habitat restoration, conservation, and biodiversity projects—are less likely to be viewed as partisan issues.
- Tangible local impact – Nature-focused projects have visible, immediate benefits: cleaner air and water, restored landscapes, and healthier ecosystems. These local, concrete outcomes resonate more than global climate targets, which can feel abstract or distant.
- Strategic communication – By framing sustainability efforts around nature, companies can continue advancing environmental goals—like emissions reduction—without explicitly linking them to politically charged climate policies.
The resilience narrative: An even broader framework
For some companies, even protecting nature is seen as too controversial. That’s where another concept is gaining traction: resilience.
One sustainability officer shared how their company avoids even the word “nature” in favor of resilience-focused language:
- Resilient supply chains that withstand environmental and geopolitical disruptions
- Resilient infrastructure that adapts to extreme weather and resource scarcity
- Resilient business models that reduce risk and increase long-term stability
By focusing on resilience, companies can integrate sustainability into their strategy without triggering resistance—not as an ideological stance, but as a smart business decision.
As the political landscape shifts, sustainability officers are finding new ways to keep moving forward. Whether through nature-based solutions or resilience framing, the goal remains the same: building a future where businesses and ecosystems can thrive together.
