Dark Side of ESG and Sustainable Development

Dark Side of ESG and Sustainable Development: Inequality, Market Failure and Global North-South Divisions delves into the underexplored and provocative dimensions of sustainability, shedding light on the unintended consequences of sustainable development and corporate sustainability strategies. It critically examines themes such as market failures, inequality, and the entrenched Global North-South divisions, arguing that these challenges threaten to undermine the very goals of sustainability. With contributions spanning empirical research, theoretical case studies, and conceptual analyses, the book emphasises the pressing need to address the darker facets of sustainability practices that could profoundly impact communities, corporations, and nations alike.Divided into five thematic sections—Just Transition and Equity; Emerging Market and North-South Divide; First Mover Advantage and Disadvantage; CSR Tokenism and ESG Greenwashing; and Sustainability Standards—this edited collection offers a comprehensive critique of current paradigms. By probing critical questions about the risks of Just Transition policies, the role of emerging markets in reshaping global dynamics, the competitive pitfalls of sustainable innovation, and the dangers of ESG greenwashing, the book provides fresh insights into the complexities of sustainable development. Designed to inspire dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, it addresses the urgent need for nuanced, actionable solutions that bridge gaps between aspiration and reality in the sustainability discourse.