Executive Summary: Rethinking Sustainability in Corporate America

“The destiny of the world is inseparable from American destiny.”‍

– Dr. Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State, (1923 – 2023)

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Our world offers no shortage of challenges. Stagnant economies, stubborn inflation, and rising unemployment weigh heavily across regions. Geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, reverberating through disrupted supply chains, soaring energy costs, and heightened uncertainty in countries and economies globally.

We are, undeniably, at an inflection point — globally, yes, but especially here in the United States. As a dominant economic, political, and cultural force, the U.S. serves as a true center of gravity on the international stage. The decisions made by American businesses and policymakers not only shape domestic priorities but send shockwaves across industries, markets, and halls of government around the world. The path the U.S. chooses, no matter the arena, will define new norms, influence global policy, and set a proactive tone worldwide.

At the same time, the sustainability landscape in the U.S. has shifted dramatically. Leaders in business, government, and investment face an increasingly complex environment marked by regulatory shifts, geopolitical volatility, economic uncertainty, and social and political polarization. The question is no longer whether sustainability should be embedded in corporate strategy, but how it can be done effectively — to achieve measurable, long-term value.

AccountAbility operates at the heart of this global conversation. With an over 30-year history of serving businesses, governments, and investors across the U.S., Europe, the Mid-East, and Asia, we bring both a global perspective and local insights to help organizations navigate their future. Through our work with businesses across sectors, our independent research, and standards development, we see firsthand how scrutiny and expectations are rising. Stakeholders — from investors and employees to customers and communities — are demanding greater transparency, verifiable impact, and a clear link between sustainability efforts and business performance. Sustainability can no longer be a “bolt-on” initiative; it has become a fundamental pillar of corporate resilience and growth.

This report draws on insights from Chief Sustainability Officers at Fortune 1000 companies worldwide, revealing critical perspectives on the current and future state of sustainability. It examines emerging trends — some expected, others surprising — that are reshaping decision-making today. We explore the practical realities of implementation, the evolving role of corporate leadership in meeting systemic challenges, and the roadmap that will shape the businesses of the future.

We recognize that sustainability is not a static goal, but a dynamic, ongoing process that demands adaptability, strategic clarity, and a steadfast focus on long-term value. To meet this moment, leaders must integrate sustainability into the core of their organizations — navigating complexity, engaging transparently with stakeholders, and delivering measurable progress with purpose and consistency.

At AccountAbility, we are committed to moving this dialogue forward and driving real, lasting impact. This report is more than a snapshot of the present — it is a catalyst for the actions, strategies, and collaborations that must come next. By harnessing shared knowledge, collective resolve, and bold leadership, we can forge a path that delivers enduring value — for business, for stakeholders, and for society at large.

The world is not standing still — and neither are we.