Trends Identified

Sustainability to shape the face of business
Growing public consciousness of sustainability issues and political leadership gaps will increasingly open the way for business to step up to the challenge of sustainability leadership, and either lead, adapt or fail.
2018
8 sustainability trends that will define 2018
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Enduring loss and damage from extreme weather
After the unprecedented climate events of 2017, vulnerable cities, countries and people will face yet more extreme and disruptive weather events, with the potential to impact business though value chain disruption and stranded assets, and contribute to social unrest.
2018
8 sustainability trends that will define 2018
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Human versus machine
Growing levels of automation will not only begin to transform the future of business but also the future of work
2018
8 sustainability trends that will define 2018
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
China and the global shift to the East
The re-election of President Xi Jinping has given China stability in a turbulent world, and has reinforced the state’s mandate to address climate change at a time when other world leaders have faltered over sustainability
2018
8 sustainability trends that will define 2018
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
The end of an era for plastics
Packaging is set to be key battleground in addressing the environmental impacts of business on oceans, land and air.
2018
8 sustainability trends that will define 2018
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
A watershed year for transparency
Anticipating the recommendations for reporting climate-related financial risks from the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), companies such as ExxonMobil have faced investor and public pressure to voluntarily improve risk disclosure. This could re the gun for greater transparency in other parts of business such as executive pay, gender equality and tax arrangements.
2018
8 sustainability trends that will define 2018
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Life after coal
The energy revolution is reaching its climax as the switch to renewables and electricity is unstoppable.
2018
8 sustainability trends that will define 2018
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
New Markets
Based on four years of Global Opportunity Report data, it is clear that new market opportunities emerge at the intersection of technology and sustainability risks. The vast majority of our 55 opportunities employ technological innovations, but the digitalisation of certain products and services will not be enough to remain competitive in the future market universe. True innovation lies in finding the intersection of a business sector and technology.
2018
Global opportunity report
DNV GL
Unchaining land rights
Securing proof of land ownership is an enabling factor for increasing equality. Blockchain technology has the potential to make land registration transparent and tamper-proof. Securing land titles is an important step in empowering people to make investments and improve their financial situation.
2018
Global opportunity report
DNV GL
Illuminating supply chains
In an increasingly globalised world, understanding supply chains in the food and retail sector can be di cult and lead to the unfair treatment of workers, who are invisible to consumers at the point of purchase. Increasing transparency via new technologies allows consumers, companies, and others to influence supply chain choices.
2018
Global opportunity report
DNV GL