Total sustainable debt issuance reached a record high in 2021 and is poised for continued growth in 2022. A key challenge for market participants in the coming year will be to manage that growth in a way that combats rising concerns about greenwashing.

While many large companies set sustainability goals and published ESG-related data in 2021, investors, regulators, and the broader public are exercising greater scrutiny of corporate sustainability efforts.

In 2022, corporate boards and government leaders will face rising pressure to demonstrate that they are adequately equipped to understand and oversee ESG issues — from climate change to human rights to social unrest.