The importance of the SDGs in the business is increasing day by day, and it has reached a stage where companies cannot ignore this topic. For example, concerning for the environment and human right are becoming the standard policy, and companies that cannot adjust that will not be selected. Investors would leave away and it affects significant impact on corporate value.

 Even for me, who works at Japanese bank, I often talk to customers on this topic.

 One of factor on the decision for loan is including the environment, and we began to deal with sustainable finance as new products. There are also topics of business scene; the ESG rating, the method of information disclosure in IR, and the advice to sell non-sustainable businesses segment etc. Even for a bank manager, I also cannot ignore SDGs.

 As we know, the movement of SDGs has been running for the future world. On the other hand, it has the aspect of new business opportunities. Some people point out this fact and regard it capitalistic and unpleasant.

 Certainly, it is the capitalism that has cause environmental problems, and it can be understood that the current issue is deeply related with growthism. And, interestingly, there are some opinions such as demise of capitalism or post-capitalism and even reconsideration of Marx. (This kind of book is ranked as a bestseller in Japan)

 It supposed that capitalist society should regret on current issue, but I think it is difficult to break away from capitalism. Propulsion of capitalism is powerful, and it can arouse people’s attention through placing market value on a certain goal. (which used to be growth) When SDGs becomes such a goal and makes market value, things will be achieved. No matter the motive is indecent, the result will be obtained. If we really want to solve problems for humankind, capitalism would be effective in a sense.

 I do not think that such a wily or clever capitalism breaks down so easily, as it provides some freedom and accepts all desires in the society. Of course, we realize there are a lot of issues to be overcome and not only merit.

 I should not write this topic in such like a short post, but recent economic trends give us critical asking. To be continue.