In 2024, Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) risks have become a major focus for security managers, reflecting broader corporate efforts to align with global sustainability goals and social responsibility standards. These efforts introduce new challenges, particularly as businesses face increased scrutiny regarding their environmental and social impacts. ESG-related risks encompass a wide range of issues, from climate change and resource management to human rights and governance practices. Security managers now play a critical role in mitigating these risks, particularly in managing the fallout from political protests, social activism, and environmental disruptions.
One of the most pressing concerns in 2024 has been the significant rise in political protests tied to global conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict. The conflict has sparked widespread protests worldwide, with many demonstrations taking place in North America. These protests can escalate quickly, impacting businesses, especially those perceived to be aligned with specific political stances or government policies. Companies with international ties or affiliations may find themselves the target of protests or boycotts, presenting both physical security risks and reputational challenges. In this context, security managers are not only responsible for ensuring the safety of employees and facilities during protests but also for managing the potential damage to the company’s public image.
In addition to political risks, environmental risks remain a significant concern for security managers. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, driven by climate change, directly affects operations, supply chains, and infrastructure. Businesses, especially in sectors like energy, mining, and agriculture, are under pressure to manage these risks and reduce their environmental footprint. For example, oil and gas companies face heightened scrutiny and opposition from environmental activists who protest the industry's role in contributing to climate change. Security managers must now anticipate and mitigate disruptions related to environmental activism, which can include protests, facility blockades, and even cyber-attacks aimed at disrupting operations.
Social risks tied to labour rights, community relations, and human rights violations also present security challenges. Companies are increasingly held accountable for their treatment of workers and their impact on local communities. This can lead to protests, legal challenges, or media campaigns that harm the company’s reputation. In sectors like fashion, technology, and consumer goods, allegations of poor working conditions or environmental degradation can trigger widespread social activism, posing security risks that extend beyond traditional physical threats.
As these risks grow in complexity, security managers are increasingly leveraging Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and intelligence platforms like BlueSky to better manage and anticipate ESG-related disruptions. These tools allow security teams to monitor real-time social media chatter, public protests, and activist movements, providing early warnings of potential threats. For instance, BlueSky can track planned protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict or environmental demonstrations targeting specific industries, giving security managers the information they need to safeguard employees, facilities, and operations. By using intelligence platforms, security teams can stay ahead of emerging threats, allowing for proactive security measures and more effective crisis management.
Looking ahead to 2025, the importance of ESG risks is expected to intensify as global tensions rise and sustainability becomes a key driver of corporate strategy. Political protests tied to geopolitical conflicts, like the Israel-Hamas conflict, will continue to challenge companies, particularly those operating in politically sensitive industries. Environmental activism will likely grow as climate change worsens, with activists targeting corporations seen as contributing to environmental harm. The growing focus on corporate social responsibility means that companies must be prepared to face protests and activism around issues like labour rights, human rights violations, and community relations.
To prepare for these evolving risks, security managers must adopt a proactive and integrated approach. This involves developing comprehensive crisis management plans that account for ESG-related risks, engaging with stakeholders to address concerns before they escalate, and collaborating closely with sustainability and corporate governance teams. By leveraging intelligence platforms like BlueSky and incorporating real-time data into their security strategies, managers can better protect their organizations from the increasing complexities of sustainability and ESG risks. As the focus on corporate responsibility continues to grow, the role of security managers will be critical in navigating the challenges of 2025 and beyond.
Michael Lantz - Vice President
At BlueSky, we offer our clients unparalleled access to analyst-verified monitoring, actionable intelligence, and proactive insights into protests and potential disruptions in real-time. Our commitment is to deliver intelligence that is not only insightful but also deeply rooted in human expertise. We pride ourselves on delivering intelligence that is insightful and human-centric, because "Our best intelligence is not artificial."
If you have additional questions about this report or would like more information on BlueSky, reach out to our team directly: BlueSky@paladinrisksolutions.com