World Earth Day 2026: Global perspectives on a shared challenge

On World Earth Day 2026, one theme is becoming increasingly clear across global markets: sustainability is no longer a future ambition, but a present-day business imperative.

Around the world, environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are moving beyond high-level commitments into regulation, data, and day-to-day decision-making. While the pace and priorities differ by region, the direction of travel is consistent.

Contributors from across the Russell Bedford network share their perspectives on how ESG is evolving in their markets, and what this means for businesses navigating a more complex and accountable global landscape.

From a European perspective, environmental risk is increasingly being recognised as economic risk.

Natural systems, beyond their impact on ecosystems, are essential to economic activity, underpinning supply chains, infrastructure, and productivity, but have increasingly become a source of systemic risk.

According to the World Economic Forum, climate-related disasters have already caused more than $3.6 trillion in economic damage since 2000. Furthermore, climate inaction could reduce global GDP by between 16% and 22% by the end of the century, while exposing companies to significant financial losses. In this context, environmental risk is clearly an economic risk for both businesses and society, directly translating into lower growth, increased inequality, and greater global instability.

In response, we are observing different strategies among the world’s major powers, ranging from mitigation and adaptation to, in some cases, inaction. In the European Union, climate ambition remains high, aligned with the European Green Deal and supported by a regulatory and financial framework designed to facilitate the transition towards a more sustainable and competitive economy.

European companies are increasingly positioning sustainability as a driver of competitiveness and value creation, strengthening low-impact energy autonomy and reducing the vulnerability of their value chains.

Nando Agustí
Sustainability & Impact Director, Russell Bedford GNL, S.L.

Australia has crossed a threshold in sustainability reporting. From 2025, large companies are required to disclose climate-related risks and opportunities under new mandatory accounting standards, with the obligation expanding to mid-sized businesses over the following two years.

For many organisations, this shift has exposed a gap between aspiration and infrastructure. Businesses that treated ESG as a communications exercise are now discovering it is fundamentally a data problem.

Recent disruptions to global energy supply have opened up a public debate: does energy security demand more domestic fossil fuel production, or does it accelerate the case for renewables?

For ESG practitioners, energy security and decarbonisation are no longer separate conversations, and transition plans that ignore supply resilience will face increasing scrutiny from regulators, investors, and boards.

Nick Scott
Partner, RB Risk Consulting Pty Ltd

Across Southeast Asia, ESG is shifting from broad ambition to practical execution. In markets like Malaysia, sustainability is no longer just reputational but increasingly tied to market access, financing, and participation in global supply chains.

Most businesses are prioritising environmental areas such as energy use, emissions, and operational efficiency, alongside governance improvements in risk management and board oversight. In contrast, social factors including labour standards, workforce wellbeing, and supply chain conditions remain less developed, despite their significant operational and reputational implications.

Many organisations have made progress by establishing sustainability reporting and building initial ESG frameworks. The next phase is strengthening data systems, clarifying internal ownership, and embedding ESG into core business decisions.

For international companies, local context is crucial, as ESG maturity varies widely across markets and requires flexible, tailored approaches. Over the next one to two years, expect tighter regulation, stronger data assurance, and deeper supply chain oversight to accelerate progress.

Teoh Wuey Sze
Partner, Russell Bedford Malaysia

In Morocco, the ESG landscape has shifted from voluntary "marketing-led" CSR to a mandatory, audit-ready framework. The AMMC has set 2026 as a pivotal year to finalise the National Green Taxonomy and enforce stricter non-financial reporting for listed companies.

Driven by national strategies and global mechanisms such as CBAM, sustainability is now a legal requirement and a "green passport" for international trade. Businesses are prioritising the digital transformation of ESG data and supply chain decarbonisation to remain competitive.

However, many firms still overestimate ESG’s branding value while underestimating the complexity of the governance pillar and the financial risks of inaction. International entities must also navigate local operational requirements, including labour code compliance and data protection laws.

Ultimately, sustainability is no longer a separate department; it is a data-driven financial discipline essential for long-term viability in a decarbonising global economy.

Soumia Benali
Manager, EL MAGUIRI & ASSOCIES

In Mexico, sustainability has gone from being a voluntary issue to one of compliance, driven by new regulatory provisions.

The Sustainability Information Standards, NIS A-1 and B-1, have been in effect since 2025, requiring the reporting of basic environmental, social, and governance indicators. For listed companies, the CNBV has incorporated requirements aligned with IFRS S1 and S2, with a strong focus on governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics.

In addition, Mexico’s General Circular Economy Law, enacted in January 2026, reinforces the need for companies to improve waste management and take greater responsibility for the life cycle of their products.

These changes are already being felt, with more companies receiving requests for data and evidence on environmental and social performance. Sustainability is also increasingly seen as a driver of competitiveness, helping to attract investors, reduce costs, and meet the expectations of new generations.

Saúl García
Partner, Russell Bedford Mexico

Across the globe, one message is clear: sustainability is no longer a standalone initiative, but a core business discipline.

As ESG continues to evolve from principle to practice, organisations that embed it into strategy, operations, and decision-making will be best placed to navigate risk, unlock opportunity, and create long-term value.