Sustainable development
While the concept of ‘sustainable development’ emerged in 1987, it has undergone a significant shift in recent years. Once a fringe topic, sustainability has moved to the forefront of business strategy, with ESG principles becoming essential. This shift is evident both in the United States and globally. Google Trends data shows a steady increase in searches related to sustainability since 2011, reflecting growing public and corporate awareness. Key events fueling this momentum include the expansion of DEI initiatives in 2020, which highlighted the interconnectedness of social and environmental responsibility, and the influential COP26 conference in 2021, which underscored the urgency of climate action and resource management.