2026-03-26 11:58:13
Most companies are staying the course on ESG — just talking about it less
ESG, which stands for environmental, social, and governance, originated as a framework for evaluating corporate risks in a 2004 United Nations report. Over time, it has become politically charged, appearing in executive orders, lawsuits, state probes, and federal deregulation actions. As a result, many companies have reduced public discussion of ESG or climate goals—a practice known as “greenhushing”—while continuing to pursue net-zero and decarbonization targets. The shift in corporate messaging has intensified under the current political landscape, including federal actions that reverse prior climate policies, withdraw from international climate agreements, and limit funding for renewable energy programs.
