Ironically, the world’s economy practically grinding to a halt due to a global pandemic may be a more impactful statement for Earth Day 2020 than anything we as a species could have actually pulled off.  For the better part of 2020 the world’s 7.8 billion people have been focused on an unseen force that can force planet-wide behavior changes. Whoa.

The lesson is clear to Esri founder Jack Dangermond as he reminds business leaders in Forbes to remember the planet is a “critical stakeholder.”

“Now, this terrible pandemic is reminding us that our economy, our society, and our species is part of something bigger, more holistic, and more powerful. In some ways, the convergence of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with this daunting pandemic crisis puts a spotlight on the ongoing challenges we face in our relationship with the physical world, both natural and human-made,” writes Dangermond in Forbes.

Dangermond urges business leaders to “go further” to integrate a broader perspective of worldwide sustainability into new strategies. 

At Trout Headwaters we agree, and hope this forced pause, however painful it is, can give us all more time to reflect on ways to improve our new normal.

Read the full article at Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/esri/2020/04/20/earth-day-in-a-time-of-pandemic-our-planet-as-the-missing-stakeholder/#33890cb76ad6