COVID-19, global lockdowns and the resultant economic downturn are changing how we do business. The emergency stop executed by the global economy has also slashed pollution and CO2 emissions. Businesses and governments are questioning over-extended global supply chains.
Even once the current crisis is over, we can expect some kind of ‘new normal’ in place, nudging the world closer to a more sustainable future. The pre-existing high profile of the climate crisis, plastic pollution and sustainable work practices is certain to come into sharp focus in 2021 and beyond.
Sustainability will become a critical part of M&A in the future. It could reshape regulation and how business risk is viewed. We see this having a major impact in three areas:
Our adaptations around the pandemic tragedy are already showing us some ways to operate traditional business functions more sustainably. But as world governments become more serious about tackling the climate crisis, fresh regulation and scrutiny of all kind of business activity is inevitable.