Microsoft embarking to remove all the carbon
Corporate steps up... 2020 was a year of cries for change and tragic injustices. This raised our expectations of company leadership, and caused a seismic shift in how corporations view their responsibility to society. Companies that saw themselves as pure profit-makers started taking on the role of change-makers.
Racial Equality: A series of deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police spurred months of protests across the US. On a single day in June, half a million people participated in demonstrations seeking justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and all Black lives. In addition to this massive civic reaction, corporations also took action, making record-setting donations to racial justice groups across America.
Diversity in the Workplace: Companies also made big moves toward more diversity in the workplace, starting with the corporate boardroom.
Environmental Causes: Companies stepped up their commitments to reducing environmental harm.
“No comment” is no longer an option... For decades, corporations' only focus was returning value to shareholders through profits. In 2020, silence and inaction on important societal issues is no longer accepted — our expectations of companies’ responsibilities have changed. And in some cases, like Nasdaq's board diversity push, these companies can even act as de facto lawmakers.