As gridlock persists in Washington, the private sector has become increasingly important in efforts to deal with climate change, the COVID pandemic, human rights, global cooperation and other issues facing humanity. Long a perceived enemy of environmentalism and social welfare, many corporations have seen the light, knowing that their future depends on both their policies and their social image.
Just this week, many prominent corporations are withdrawing support for politicians who chose to disrupt our recent election while several social media companies are cancelling the accounts of those who promote lies and conspiracy theories (including President Trump). In a more general approach, many companies are aligning themselves with the ESG movement (environmentalism, social justice and corporate governance), taking steps that have not been imposed (or have been actively opposed) by Congress.
While many of us hope that the Biden Administration will be able to turn the tide of obstructionism in Washington, there are reasons to doubt that promise. Professional politicians, focused on their longevity not on their effectiveness, seem incapable of dealing with threats to humanity and to our planet. Hopefully, private companies, receptive to the demands of their employees and their patrons, will assume that leadership role.
