What is environmental sustainability?

Environmental sustainability is the practice of ensuring responsible stewardship of our planet.

reen is here to stay. Whatever else our societies and economies may face—global pandemics, protracted war—the climate challenge is a constant and will become thornier for future generations. Environmental sustainability is the practice of protecting our planet from degradation and restoring natural ecosystems to enable greater prosperity and resilience. An environment that’s well cared for sustains healthier communities and a better quality of life for current and future generations. It is also a safer place to live. To steward our planet for generations to come, we need to shape new, renewable energy systems that rely a lot less on fossil fuels.

There are significant growth opportunities for early adopters—including companies, community leaders, governments, and individuals. Here’s what you need to know to seize the opportunity.

Environmental sustainability is the practice we must achieve to successfully steward our planet, net zero is the goal that companies and global leaders have set to achieve carbon neutrality, and decarbonization is one strategy to help meet this goal. (For more on net zero, check out “What is net zero?” from McKinsey Explainers.) Read More…