In recent years, the concept of Environmental, Social, and corporate Governance (ESG) investing has gained tremendous traction. Not only does it offer opportunities to generate sustainable returns, but it also enables investors to make a positive impact on society and the environment. However, to truly understand the value of ESG, we need to shift our perspective and consider the 'new' stakeholders that are becoming increasingly crucial in this space. In this blog post, we’ll also delve into the challenges of the current ESG rating systems and discuss how AI is transforming the ESG landscape.
Broadening the ESG landscape: Emergence of new stakeholders
Historically, financial analysis has primarily focused on the impact of a company’s actions on its shareholders. Today, however, this view is expanding to include a more diverse array of stakeholders, thanks to ESG analysis - groups that are vital for a company's long-term prosperity. The environment, local communities, government authorities, regulators, NGOs, and journalists now take center stage as new stakeholders in the ESG dialogue.
The environment, for instance, is a stakeholder that companies can no longer afford to ignore. Overexploitation and neglect have led to climate change, thus, the depletion of vital resources and biodiversity, jeopardizing the long-term viability of many businesses. The recognition of the environment as a stakeholder underscores the necessity to balance economic growth with sustainable practices.
Similarly, local communities provide the workforce that companies rely on and need to respect their social environments and fundamental human rights. Governments, often viewed solely as tax collectors, are also stakeholders, providing key services like infrastructure, safety, and the rule of law. Finally, NGOs and journalists, tasked with safeguarding the general interest, ensure transparency and accountability, holding companies to their ESG commitments.
The problem with current ESG ratings
As companies grapple with these complex and interconnected issues, ESG ratings have emerged as a tool to gauge their sustainability efforts. However, these ratings aren't without their flaws.
Firstly, there is a notable divergence of opinion between rating providers, which can lead to confusion and inconsistency. Different providers may emphasize different aspects of ESG, leading to disparate ratings for the same company.
Secondly, most ESG ratings are based on self-reported data, creating an inherent risk of bias or selective reporting. It’s like allowing students to write and grade their own exams, which isn’t ideal for a system aiming to bring transparency and objectivity.
The power of AI in ESG risk assessment
To overcome these challenges, a new player is emerging in the field: Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms, AI can analyze billions of documents from a wide range of sources to provide a more objective and comprehensive view of a company's ESG performance.
These AI-driven tools, like those developed by SESAMm, can scan a plethora of information, from press articles and social media posts to reports from NGOs, local press, and governmental bodies. They can detect ESG controversies, positive events, and sentiments linked to various ESG issues. This results in a more detailed and accurate picture of a company's ESG framework that surpasses what current ratings offer.
By bridging the gap between traditional ESG ratings and actual on-the-ground impact, AI provides a novel and powerful tool for investors and companies alike. It fosters a more holistic approach to sustainability, one that takes into account the increasingly complex web of direct and indirect stakeholders.
The future of ESG
In the grand scheme of things, the integration of AI into ESG analysis marks a significant leap forward. By acknowledging the role of new stakeholders and addressing the shortcomings of current ESG ratings, AI is reshaping our understanding of sustainable investing. The road ahead is exciting and promising, and there's no better time than now to harness the power of AI for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Reach out to SESAMm
TextReveal's web data analysis of over five million public and private companies is essential for keeping tabs on ESG investment risks. To learn more about how you can analyze web data or request a demo, contact one of our representatives.