The sustainability profession is at an existential crossroads. Here’s how it can survive

Key Points

The sustainability field must make a choice between elevating its standards to gain trust as a profession or being used to mask harmful corporate and political actions.
If professionals opt to enhance their standards, they should do so by focusing on four key qualities: knowledge, competence, ethics, and accountability.
A crucial aspect of trusted professionals is their heightened responsibility to society.

Many sustainability experts are facing challenges in the current environment. With the rollback of climate policies and environmental protections, as well as the decline of evidence-based truths and science, it is becoming harder for them to address the issues related to building a sustainable society in the long term.
While there is still faith in the potential of the sustainability profession, it is time to reassess its purpose. It is important to understand why the profession has not yet succeeded in bringing about the necessary changes.
Drawing from established professions that have earned public trust can help the sustainability field evolve.
The Role of Professionals in Society
Trusted professions have evolved to meet recognized societal needs. For instance, the Hippocratic Oath emphasizes the principle of “do no harm.” This has led to advancements in healthcare that have improved people’s well-being and life expectancy. Similarly, professional engineers use science to create infrastructure and technologies that enhance human well-being, safety, and, in some cases, environmental protection. While not without flaws, these professions are widely acknowledged as benefiting society significantly.
The most credible and trusted professionals distinguish themselves through their advanced knowledge, skills, ethics, and accountability. They consistently exhibit these qualities even in uncertain situations, amidst power struggles, and potential conflicts of interest.
A fundamental aspect of professionals is their heightened duty of care. For esteemed professions like doctors and engineers, this duty is not only expected but also legally mandated. These professionals make decisions based on a deep understanding of human systems and individual needs. Similarly, the public expects sustainability professionals to uphold a higher duty of care due to the significant impact their decisions can have on society.
Four Qualities for Professionalizing Sustainability
Today, sustainability professionals come from various backgrounds, ranging from chief sustainability officers to marketing experts and procurement specialists. Existing qualifications and certifications in sustainability often focus on making an impact in specific contexts rather than on the profession itself. While professional associations emphasize knowledge, competencies, and community-building, aspects like ethics, duty of care, and accountability are sometimes overlooked.
Moreover, the sustainability field is increasingly influenced by corporate and political interests that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. Instead of promoting systemic change, sustainability professionals are often tasked with creating positive narratives, managing stakeholder relations, and reporting.
Additionally, the reliance on voluntary corporate actions without robust public policies for rapid decarbonization has been criticized for its energy-intensive footprint.
Criticism of sustainability professionals is growing, undermining the credibility of the profession with accusations of greenwashing and ignoring real environmental impact.
To establish credibility and trust, it is essential for the profession to prioritize these four core qualities:
– Knowledge: Sustainability professionals need to have a deep understanding of sustainability science, planetary systems, and humanitarian principles to develop regenerative solutions.
– Competence: They should be able to apply their knowledge effectively and demonstrate leadership in creating sustainable solutions.
– Ethics: Following robust ethical principles is crucial for sustainability professionals to gain trust and credibility.
– Accountability: Professionals must prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of society in their work.
Moving Towards Professionalization
Sustainability professionals are at a critical juncture where they must either elevate their standards or risk being used to justify harmful corporate and political actions. By focusing on enhancing their professional qualities, strengthening professional associations, and advocating for high standards of professionalism, they can further advance their field.