I posed a question to our Advisory Board, who represent a range of perspectives and experiences in ESG: how do you determine what ESG information or data is “correct,” best to use/rely on and – how do you prepare to defend that when others bring forward information, data and reports that contradict your position? Regardless of the ESG topic, it is easy to find credible yet conflicting information about it. This presents a real problem for CSOs, staff and ESG advisors. Doug Chia’s comments on the topic are here and Rhonda Brauer’s are here.
Dan Goelzer provided the following – which I think is quite useful:
“Conflicting credible information primarily suggests to me that these issues are complex, have many facets, and can look different depending on whether they are examined from a short-term or long-term perspective. Take the EVs. I have read articles reporting that a large percentage of potential car buyers are open to buying an EV and that sales are increasing year-over-year. At the same time, some manufacturers are reporting soft demand and are cutting back production (and Herz is selling half of its EV fleet in part because of low customer interest). I don’t view these data points as necessarily conflicting or inconsistent, however, I think they just indicate that EV uptake is going to be somewhat slower than many originally thought (or hoped). Initial car price is probably a factor, as is range anxiety – pending the build-out of the charging station infrastructure. But, even if that’s correct, it’s just an illustration of the fact that you need to look below the headlines to understand what’s going on.”
With time demands we all face, it can be hard to slow down and read entire reports and articles. But especially in our world of ESG/sustainability, it is more important than ever to do so. Only then can you really make informed determinations about the veracity and credibility of information you choose to use.
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