ESG, CSR & SDGs: What’s the Difference — and Why It Matters
CSR told a story. SDGs gave us goals. ESG needs to shape decisions. This lesson explores why the difference matters — and what’s lost when we blur the lines.
Lesson Overview
The terms ESG and CSR are often used interchangeably — but confusing them risks repeating the same mistakes we’ve seen for decades. And while the SDGs offer a global roadmap, aligning to them is not the same as embedding sustainability into decision-making.
In this two-part lesson, we look at:
- 📌 Why CSR has often been about image, not impact — and why ESG must shape how decisions are made
- 📌 How mapping to the SDGs can look good on paper — but doesn’t guarantee meaningful action
If ESG is going to drive real change, it can’t just be CSR with new branding — or loosely tied to global goals. It has to influence how companies think, act, and are held accountable.
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— Vincent McCarthy, CFA
Founder, Responsible Investment Institute®