Where Is ESG and Sustainability Heading Under Donald Trump?
The landscape of ESG and sustainability is undeniably shifting under the presidency of Donald Trump. His well-known stance against ESG—including withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, opposing DEI initiatives, and prioritizing fossil fuel expansion—has raised concerns about the future of sustainability efforts. The decline in sustainable investment funds in the U.S. and the resurgence of “drill, baby, drill!” policies highlight a stark contrast to global sustainability goals.
Despite these policy shifts, sustainability remains a crucial issue. As a populist and nationalist, Trump is driven by an ambition to “Make America Great Again.” His priority is national welfare and economic growth, aiming to create a safety net for both citizens and businesses. Many Americans chose Trump because they believe he can restore economic stability. While his focus may seem to contradict sustainability efforts, it also reflects a fundamental human instinct—to secure the basic needs before addressing long-term global concerns.
The Bigger Question: Can We Achieve Sustainability Without Trump?
The deeper question remains: Will we truly achieve sustainability even if Trump were not in office? The uncomfortable truth is that climate change is not reversible, and no political leader alone can dictate the fate of sustainability. While human activities have accelerated environmental degradation, the root cause isn’t just industrialization or technology—it is human greed.
As an ESG and sustainability consultant, this realization may seem contradictory to my profession. But I believe the only true solution to creating a sustainable world is an awakening of human consciousness. ESG and SDGs are merely tools—important ones, but tools nonetheless—to raise awareness and inspire action. However, in my experience, less than 10% of those who approach me (whether clients, partners, or candidates) genuinely care about the planet or people unless they have had impactful experiences or traumas that motivate them to give and sacrifice. This is not surprising. Fundamentally, human beings prioritize their basic needs—food, shelter, security—before considering larger environmental and social responsibilities.
Rethinking Our Priorities: A Reality Check
In today’s world, convenience often takes precedence over sustainability. To illustrate this, let me ask you a few questions:
- If two identical products were placed before you—one costing RM 50 and the other RM 3—without any branding or marketing influence, which would you choose?
- If you are pursuing a career in ESG and sustainability, is it because of a deep-rooted passion for the cause, or is it driven by job security and career growth potential?
Reflect on these questions honestly—there are no right or wrong answers. But if you feel inclined, share your thoughts with me in the comments.
Beyond Policies: The Path to True Sustainability
To truly achieve sustainability, we must shift our focus from external solutions to inner transformation. It is about learning how to be ourselves—not in an ignorant, self-serving way, but in a conscious and awakened manner.
We often categorize sustainability into three pillars: economy, society, and environment. But something essential is missing: the spiritual dimension. We have become obsessed with quantification—measuring carbon footprints, tracking days of disciplined exercise or meditation, financial impacts, and ESG scores—yet we have lost the power of feeling. In doing so, we have distanced ourselves from the very essence of sustainability: the connection between human energy and nature.
Sustainability Is an Inner Balance
Sustainability is not about numbers—it is about inner balance. To truly train ourselves to be authentic, we must go through a continuous process: awareness, discovery, understanding, acceptance, practice, and being. This infinite cycle is essential because it helps us accumulate powerful energy within—energy that allows us to thrive in this chaotic world of rapid ESG and AI development. Over time, this energy transforms into love—love for ourselves, for those around us, and for the planet.
Amidst the chaos of ESG politics and shifting global priorities, the answer remains simple yet profound: Only by awakening human consciousness can we create a truly sustainable future. Sustainability is not just about environmental policies or corporate commitments—it is about how we, as individuals, balance our energy with nature and society.
Join the Conversation and Practice: Mindfulness for Sustainability Public Workshop
If you want to deepen your awareness and take actionable steps toward sustainability, join me on March 22, 2025, for the Mindfulness for Sustainability Workshop. We will engage in meaningful discussions on sustainability and explore techniques to enhance our awareness and consciousness. By the end of the session, you will leave with a concrete action step to integrate sustainability into your life.
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