Corporate affairs pros in Europe, North America report increased ESG resistance

Disparities in ESG pushback are growing across regions

A recent study reveals that corporate affairs professionals in Europe and North America have noticed an uptick in resistance towards ESG initiatives over the past year. This trend is not as prevalent in other regions, indicating the need for tailored strategies based on location. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding regional nuances when navigating ESG challenges.

The research, conducted by GlobeScan and the University of Oxford, highlights the varying degrees of pushback against ESG agendas worldwide. While ESG discussions are gaining traction, opposition to these initiatives is not uniform across the globe.

The findings underscore the impact of political and economic pressures on ESG practices. Despite misconceptions about ESG being driven by ideology, it remains a crucial framework for companies to interpret their business environment and guide strategic decisions. As corporate affairs professionals navigate this evolving landscape, they must consider the widening regional disparities and the influence of political dynamics on ESG priorities.

The study, based on the Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey, surveyed 245 corporate affairs practitioners in February-March 2025. Moving forward, companies may need to adopt more nuanced and region-specific approaches to ESG to effectively address the evolving challenges in this space.