Twenty years ago today, on June 24, 2004, the whole “ESG” caravan got its wheels…
The amount of carbon dioxide in the air was roughly 378ppm. As of 2024 it is 426ppm, but check here for daily measures.
The context is that climate change was not going away. In 2000 the Global Compact had been set up (blue-washing, much?). The Climate Group had launched, there were various UN initiatives going on…
What we learn is that this “ESG” stuff goes back 20 years.
What happened next. ESG becomes a cottage industry. Then a huge factory. And the emissions – you have to ask? – they keep climbing.
What do you think? Does this pass the ‘so what?’ threshold? Have I got facts wrong? Interpretation wrong? Please do comment on this post, unless you are a denialist, obvs.
Also on this day:
June 24 1985 – Climate change rears its head at a development meeting…
June 24, 1986 – New Yorkers get to watch a documentary on “The Climate Crisis”