Connecting the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing and calls for 'harmonisation' of sustainability reporting. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adams, Carol A.; Abhayawansa, Subhash
• Is Part Of: Critical perspectives on accounting. Volume 82(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- ESG -- Sustainability reporting -- Harmonisation; Accounting -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Accountants -- Professional ethics -- Periodicals; 657.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cpa.2021.102309
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1045-2354

Abstract

Highlights: Calls for harmonised 'sustainability reporting' standards are underpinned by myths. It is a myth that a Global sustainability standard-setting body is urgently needed. Financial materiality should not be paramount in determining sustainability disclosures. Investor needs cannot be satisfied by consistent and comparable metrics alone. Calls for harmonisation overlook needs of non-investor stakeholders. Abstract: We critically examine the call for 'harmonisation' of sustainability reporting frameworks and standards that occurred alongside an increase in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We identify three myths that have been promulgated in calls for 'harmonisation' that seek to: simplify sustainability reporting and ESG analysis and shift the control for standard-setting to an investor-oriented private sector body. We argue that the myths are based on deception, misunderstandings, and disregard for both academic research and the views of sustainability practitioners. They demonstrate a lack of regard for different users of corporate sustainability information, a lack of analysis of the alternatives, an overestimation of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation's expertise and mischaracterisation of sustainable/ESG financing.