Subscribe to our new biweekly newsletter, Insider Sustainability

Subscribe to our new biweekly newsletter, Insider Sustainability

Just over three years ago, Insider launched Better Capitalism, a section focused on how companies are moving beyond financial targets and actively contributing to a better world for their employees, customers, and other stakeholders. 

Sustainability has been a key topic we've covered along the way, and it's only gaining momentum in the conversation around stakeholder capitalism. Last year, Microsoft, Apple, Ford, Starbucks, and other major corporations made big pledges to reduce, eliminate, or offset their carbon emissions. In January of this year, GM announced it would only sell electric vehicles by 2035 and pledged to be completely carbon neutral by 2040. 

At the same time, the demand for ESG investing “” which integrates environmental, social, and governance goals with investment “” has skyrocketed, while more companies have agreed to report on their progress on ESG criteria. 

Helping to lead this movement is Klaus Schwab, executive chairman and founder of the World Economic Forum, who convenes economic and political leaders annually to discuss innovative ways to reshape and advance industries. During Insider's climate-focused virtual event, Act to Impact, on April 20, Schwab said the surge in interest in ESG means customers, investors, and leaders are focused on accountability. He also noted that there are