Glossary · ESG
ESG Risk
Exposure to financial or reputational harm from environmental, social, or governance factors and stakeholder expectations regarding them.
Full definition
ESG risks span climate change impacts, labor practices, human rights, diversity, executive compensation, board independence, and corporate ethics. These factors increasingly affect company valuations, access to capital, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder relationships. An apparel company using suppliers with poor labor conditions faces reputational damage, consumer boycotts, and investor divestment when violations surface. ESG risk management integrates these considerations into enterprise risk frameworks, conducts materiality assessments, establishes metrics and targets, ensures board oversight, and enhances disclosure to meet evolving investor and regulatory expectations.
ESGsustainabilitystakeholderclimate riskgovernance