The Anti-ESG Backlash

This chapter explores the strong ties between the oil and gas industry and right-wing movements in their coordinated opposition to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. It examines the financial motivations and influential figures, such as the Koch brothers, who drive anti-ESG sentiments, while also addressing the broader implications of this backlash for investment strategies and environmental sustainability. The narrative underscores the evolving nature of the ESG conversation, hinting that the core principles of responsible investing may endure despite the decline of the ESG brand.