Last week, the 2025 Sustainability at a Crossroads survey was released, providing key insights into the views of nearly 850 sustainability professionals across the world, and building upon the survey’s decades-long research, the first results having been published back in 1997. With sustainability at a pivotal turning point, what do experts believe is the best route forward? This week on the Frankly Speaking podcast, Richard Howitt was joined by Chris Coulter, CEO of Globescan and Mark Lee, Global Director of Thought Leadership at the SustainAbility Institute by ERM, who jointly produced this year’s Global Sustainability Leadership Survey alongside the UK consultancy Volans. Together they discussed the main findings of the survey, and what it tells us about the ESG backlash globally. You’ll also hear more about: How businesses across the world have been responding to the backlash against sustainability Whether or not the 2030 climate target has failed Why investors ranked their lowest ever score on their contribution to sustainable development The regional variability in attitudes towards sustainability, and whether it’s time to pass on the torch of global sustainability leadership to the Asia Pacific The high impact, high feasibility actions that survey respondents believe can be achieved in the next five years The opportunities that can arise out of this current crisis in sustainability, and the choice facing governments and businesses in this critical inflection point for the field Listen in and follow us on LinkedIn!

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.