Corporate Social Responsibility

NEW ANALYSIS: Electric vehicles are entering the mid-transition space starting to replace ICE vehicles in more and more markets. The transition is already underway. Global EV numbers have grown from 1.2 million in 2015 to nearly 60 million today. History shows that shifts like this can happen faster than expected: in the early 20th-century US, horses and mules virtually vanished from roads in under 30 years. As with the rise of the car, today’s transition is shaped as much by policy and politics as by technology. ICE vehicles didn’t dominate through technical superiority alone—they were supported by massive public investment in roads, urban design, and highways funded by fuel taxes. EVs are well placed to move even faster. They directly replace ICE vehicles while being cleaner, cheaper, and quieter to operate. And past transitions suggest that like-for-like replacements—think black-and-white to colour TV—tend to spread far more quickly than entirely new products. Our new report by the Centre for Net Zero (Octopus Energy Group)'s excellent Andy Hackett, Izzy Woolgar, RMI's Yuki Numata and Laurens Speelman and me at Environmental Change Institute (ECI), University of Oxford describe how EVs are posed to enter a next phase in it's adoption curve. This is the phase of 'system integration', where integration of EVs into the broader energy and transport system (think vehicle to grid, flexible charging, widespread and equitable charging, battery recycling) becomes more and more important, alongside reducing costs, intense competition, increasing quality and efficiency, and increasing supporting technologies. This new phase represents new opportunities and new challenges both for policy makers and business which we unpack in this report. You can read the report here: https://lnkd.in/eRNdpMj6

When digital dangers become real but you aren't ready.... "Hi I'm Laura, your daughter calls me loser Laura..." The young girl stands awkwardly at the doorstep, her wounded expression revealing the pain of cyberbullying. This pivotal moment from New Zealand's "Keep It Real Online" campaign transforms digital harm into physical reality. ↳One in five young Kiwis are bullied online annually. ↳40% have online interactions with people they've never met in real life. The campaign brings digital threats to parents' doorsteps Effective cybersecurity awareness campaigns highlight crucial principles through impactful storytelling. The best way to fight cybercrime is through awareness and prevention, using statistics, stories, and practical tips. Cyberbullying, juvenile access to inappropriate content, and exposure to online violence represent interconnected cybersecurity challenges that require parental vigilance. Key cybersecurity lessons: ↳Digital threats have tangible impacts on vulnerable users, particularly children and young people. ↳Parents and educators need frameworks to initiate difficult conversations about online safety. ↳Education proves more effective than avoidance when addressing digital dangers. Creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness and responsibility involves recognizing positive behavior and discussing best practices. The main goal of effective campaigns is informing audiences about various online threats including malware, identity theft, phishing, and cyberbullying. Individuals can protect personal information by using strong, unique passwords for online accounts. Educational institutions play an essential role in advancing cybersecurity through instruction, public awareness campaigns, and safe IT infrastructure. Digital literacy remains the key to protection in our increasingly connected world. Emotional storytelling drives behavior change by creating powerful connections that statistics simply cannot match. Share your story: ↳Which campaign stopped you in your tracks? ↳How did it trigger an emotional response that influenced your behavior? ↳Why does it still resonate with you today? 👍 LIKE this post, 🔄 REPOST this to your network and follow me, Monica Jasuja

There’s a missed opportunity in the investment world: over 95% of capital remains allocated to non-diverse funds. This leaves diverse-led funds undercapitalized, despite their proven ability to outperform. This disparity isn’t just about fairness — it’s about untapped potential. A report from the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) highlights systemic barriers: smaller commitments to diverse-managed funds, higher asset requirements and inconsistent support from corporate and union pension funds. These challenges restrict market growth and limit wealth creation in communities that could benefit most. Addressing these disparities is critical to building a more dynamic and equitable financial ecosystem. When diverse leaders manage funds, they bring unique perspectives, broader networks and innovative strategies that drive returns and create lasting economic impact. This mission is personal to me. Throughout my career, I’ve championed initiatives to expand opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs and fund managers. By supporting diverse leadership in finance, we not only unlock growth but also help close the #racialwealthgap and foster sustainable change. It’s time to reimagine how we allocate capital — embracing equality as both a value and a strategy. Together, we can fuel innovation, empower communities and strengthen our economy.

As technology becomes the backbone of modern business, understanding cybersecurity fundamentals has shifted from a specialized skill to a critical competency for all IT professionals. Here’s an overview of the critical areas IT professionals need to master:  Phishing Attacks   - What it is: Deceptive emails designed to trick users into sharing sensitive information or downloading malicious files.   - Why it matters: Phishing accounts for over 90% of cyberattacks globally.   - How to prevent it: Implement email filtering, educate users, and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA).  Ransomware   - What it is: Malware that encrypts data and demands payment for its release.   - Why it matters: The average ransomware attack costs organizations millions in downtime and recovery.   - How to prevent it: Regular backups, endpoint protection, and a robust incident response plan.  Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks   - What it is: Overwhelming systems with traffic to disrupt service availability.   - Why it matters: DoS attacks can cripple mission-critical systems.   - How to prevent it: Use load balancers, rate limiting, and cloud-based mitigation solutions.  Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks   - What it is: Interception and manipulation of data between two parties.   - Why it matters: These attacks compromise data confidentiality and integrity.   - How to prevent it: Use end-to-end encryption and secure protocols like HTTPS.  SQL Injection   - What it is: Exploitation of database vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or manipulate data.   - Why it matters: It’s one of the most common web application vulnerabilities.   - How to prevent it: Validate input and use parameterized queries.  Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)   - What it is: Injection of malicious scripts into web applications to execute on users’ browsers.   - Why it matters: XSS compromises user sessions and data.   - How to prevent it: Sanitize user inputs and use content security policies (CSP).  Zero-Day Exploits   - What it is: Attacks that exploit unknown or unpatched vulnerabilities.   - Why it matters: These attacks are highly targeted and difficult to detect.   - How to prevent it: Regular patching and leveraging threat intelligence tools.  DNS Spoofing   - What it is: Manipulating DNS records to redirect users to malicious sites.   - Why it matters: It compromises user trust and security.   - How to prevent it: Use DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) and monitor DNS traffic.  Why Mastering Cybersecurity Matters   - Risk Mitigation: Proactive knowledge minimizes exposure to threats.   - Organizational Resilience: Strong security measures ensure business continuity.   - Stakeholder Trust: Protecting digital assets fosters confidence among customers and partners.  The cybersecurity landscape evolves rapidly. Staying ahead requires regular training, and keeping pace with the latest trends and technologies.  

🌍 We Can’t Afford to Get Climate Policy Wrong—A Look at the Data Behind What Really Works 🌍 In the race against time to combat climate change, bold promises are everywhere. But here’s the critical question: Are the policies being implemented actually reducing emissions at the scale we need? A groundbreaking study published in Science, cuts through the noise and delivers the insights we desperately need. Evaluating 1,500 climate policies from around the world, the research identifies the 63 most effective ones—policies that have delivered tangible, significant reductions in emissions. What’s striking is that the most successful strategies often involve combinations of policies, rather than single initiatives. Think of it as the ultimate teamwork: when policies like carbon pricing, renewable energy mandates, and efficiency standards are combined thoughtfully, the impact is far greater than any one policy could achieve on its own. It’s a powerful reminder that for climate solutions the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts. Moreover, the study’s use of counterfactual emissions pathways is a game changer. By showing what would have happened without these policies, it provides a clear, quantifiable measure of their effectiveness. This is exactly the kind of rigorous evaluation we need to ensure that every policy counts, especially when we’re working against the clock. If we’re serious about meeting the Paris Agreement’s targets, we need to focus on what works—and this research offers a clear roadmap. Let’s champion policies that have proven to make a difference, because we don’t have time to waste on anything less. 🔗 Full study in the comments #ClimateAction #Sustainability #PolicyEffectiveness #ParisAgreement #NetZero #ClimateScience

Integration of SDGs and ESG Pillars 🌎 For businesses committed to sustainability, effectively categorizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) pillars can streamline strategic planning and operational execution. This approach clarifies how initiatives within these pillars can directly contribute to achieving broader global goals, thus enhancing business impact and compliance. The Environmental Pillar of ESG aligns with SDGs focused on ecological stability, such as Climate Action, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Affordable and Clean Energy. Businesses that enhance their environmental strategies not only adhere to regulatory demands but also drive efficiencies in resource use, which can lead to reduced operational costs and improved market positioning. Under the Social Pillar, SDGs like Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Decent Work and Economic Growth are pivotal. By focusing on these areas, companies can foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment, enhancing employee satisfaction and community relations, which are crucial for long-term business sustainability and customer loyalty. The Governance Pillar supports the achievement of SDGs related to ethical practices and equitable growth, including Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Strengthening governance can help businesses manage risk, operate transparently, and maintain compliance with increasing legal standards, securing trust and support from investors and stakeholders. Integrating SDGs with ESG initiatives allows businesses to not only address specific global challenges but also to enhance their strategic planning processes. This structured approach provides a clear pathway for companies to evaluate their impact, set measurable targets, and communicate progress in a manner that resonates with global standards and stakeholder expectations. Furthermore, while the example diagram shows one method of mapping SDGs to ESG pillars, businesses are encouraged to adapt this framework to better suit their specific contexts and strategic objectives. Understanding and applying this integration effectively empowers companies to tackle complex sustainability challenges, paving the way for innovation and leadership in their industries. By leveraging the SDGs as a guide to categorize and prioritize ESG efforts, businesses can ensure that their sustainability initiatives are not only impactful but also aligned with global objectives, enhancing overall business resilience and reputation. #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange #climateaction #sdgs #impact #strategy

#AntimicrobialResistance (AMR) threatens to send the world back into the era before antibiotics and other antimicrobials, when a routine infection could be deadly.     Already, an estimated 5 million people die every year from infections associated with AMR.    Over the next decade, AMR could reduce global life expectancy by 1.8 years and cost the global economy more than $800 billion annually, due to additional health costs and lost productivity.     It’s fueled by many factors:  1. Poorly functioning health systems 2. Weak regulation 3. Sub-standard practices in industrial farming and agriculture 4. Poor management of waste and wastewater      AMR disproportionately affects people in low and middle-income countries, and is closely linked to poverty and a lack of access to adequate water, sanitation and hygiene.     Later this month, the World Health Assembly will consider how to accelerate action in the human health sector, as part of a multi-sectoral #OneHealth approach.     The World Health Organization has outlined six recommendations for consideration: 1. Leadership and governance, based on effective and well-resourced coordination that includes all relevant stakeholders, and high-level oversight.   2. Allocation of domestic and international funding for accelerated national, regional and global action.   3. Evidence for action through strengthening AMR and antimicrobial use surveillance, strengthening bacteriology laboratory systems, research and sharing and use of data.    4. Accelerated implementation of a people-centred public health approach to address AMR, with a core package of interventions at all levels of health systems.    5. Scaling up learning, experience sharing and technical support for countries;    6. Promotion of science, research, and innovation, targeted to public health needs and to ensuring equitable access.   From communities to health workers. From youth organizations to parliamentarians.     From the private sector to people directly affected by drug-resistant infections and their consequences.    By working together, we can chart a clear path towards a safer world for all. 

The other day, I was asked about the real-world impact of investigative reporting in the context of ocean issues. One of my favorite examples is a series of stories we published over a three-year period about Dalian Ocean Fishing (DOF), one of China's largest tuna companies. This reporting underscores the serendipity involved in chasing a story and the unexpected ways a story can contribute to meaningful impact. The initial focus of our investigation centered on abusive labor practices aboard DOF vessels. In summary, workers from Southeast Asia, who applied for jobs as deckhands, found themselves trapped at sea under extremely poor and often abusive conditions. Several Indonesian workers died, and many experienced long-term negative health impacts from their time at sea on these vessels. To do this investigation, Mongabay collaborated with Tansa & the Environmental Reporting Collective, conducting firsthand interviews with workers and thoroughly examining various records. The reporting team also utilized interviews conducted by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) Foundation with 11 workers from six of DOF's ships. The investigation made significant waves: The story was widely republished and translated into multiple languages. It went on to win an award from SOPA - The Society of Publishers in Asia. In 2021, the U.S. banned imports of tuna, swordfish, and other products from DOF at U.S. ports of entry. However, perhaps even more significant repercussions emerged from a follow-up investigation. Through interviews with deckhands, we discovered that DOF was covertly conducting a massive illegal shark-finning operation. DOF had used banned gear to deliberately catch an estimated 31,000 sharks, including critically endangered species, in the western Pacific Ocean in 2019 alone. This figure exceeds the reported catch for China’s entire longline fleet in the same period & region. Following the publication of this second story, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned DOF. The announcement cited exclusive data Mongabay gathered during our extensive investigative process. Consequently, DOF's parent company, Pingtan Marine Enterprise, was delisted from Nasdaq, significantly hindering its ability to raise capital for expanding operations. Subsequently, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) banned the simultaneous use of shark lines and wire leaders. The shark-finning report earned multiple awards. Phil Jacobson, Mongabay’s senior reporter on the project, was selected by the Pulitzer Center as a fellow to expand the investigation into shark trafficking on a global scale. This case exemplifies the power of investigative journalism in uncovering hidden truths & contributing to real-world change. It underscores how diligent reporting and the effective use of data can help foster significant environmental policy shifts & legal actions, demonstrating the vital role of journalism in promoting transparency and accountability.

🌍 Sometimes it feels like nothing changes. Everyone seems to cling to their own truth, and vested interests appear too powerful. Even when events like the collapse of the Dutch cabinet over #migration (could also have been other issues like nitrogen or climate policy) happen, it can feel like there's no real progress and that nobody wants progress. 😔 🗞️ That's when I decide to take a break from reading newspapers (and social media!) and turn to research. 📚 And today, I came across a paper, that actually gives me hope that change is possible! 🌟 You can check it out here: https://lnkd.in/eH5rR9N9 📄 What they studied: 🌍 Youth Climate Activists (the organisation Greta Thunbergs started, Fridays For Future International) serve as crucial norm entrepreneurs, awakening society to the urgency of climate change and promoting frames of multiple climate justices. Their success in shifting perspectives in international climate politics is examined in this paper. 📊 Using a unique Twitter dataset from 2014 to 2021, the study combines computational methods, including topic modeling and social network analysis, to investigate the extent to which the activists' normative framework has influenced the discourse around UNFCCC COP conferences. ✅ The research finds that the movement's normative framework has successfully penetrated the UNFCCC discourse. Moreover, youth climate activists have garnered support from influential actors outside the movement, facilitating the diffusion of their norms. 🚀Positive social tipping dynamics 🚀 can occur within the norms and values system, and a critical condition can be reached when ethical implications of fossil fuels are recognized. 𝟮𝟱% is what we need (https://lnkd.in/e_bnkQsk) 🌱 Norm entrepreneurs and champions, including opinion leaders and state actors, play a crucial role in reaching the critical condition and spreading the new norm. 💪 Persistent political effort and pressure from civil society, particularly from youth and socially justice-oriented groups, are necessary for successful normative change in the face of powerful actors opposing it. ❌ "Norm antipreneurs," such as the fossil fuel industry, invest significant efforts in preventing normative change, deploying counter-frames to justify harmful practices and pushing back against emerging norms. This gives #hope. There is evidence that youth #activists change #norms. But more is needed. Much more.

♻️ Recycling, reimagined. I came across Ameru’s AI Smart Bin — and it made me realize something we rarely talk about in sustainability: We don’t fail to recycle because we don’t care. We fail because the friction is too high. This bin doesn’t just collect waste. It sees what you throw, sorts it automatically, and even gives you real-time feedback. The results? ✅ 95%+ sorting accuracy ✅ Analytics that show you how to reduce waste ✅ ROI in under 2 years 👉 Here’s the hidden insight: Let’s be honest: recycling is broken. Most of us want to recycle, but the system is designed for failure — too much friction, too many rules. The real innovation isn’t in AI or edge computing. It’s in making sustainability invisible. No guilt, no extra steps — just default behavior upgraded. 💡 Actionable thought: Whether you’re building tech, a product, or even a habit, ask yourself — how can I make the right choice feel effortless? Because effort scales linearly. But effortlessness? That scales exponentially. PS: Imagine when every trash bin becomes a data point in the circular economy. 👉 Do you think this kind of “invisible innovation” could transform how we recycle at home and at work? #GreenTech #AI #Innovation #Sustainability #CircularEconomy