The integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into corporate strategies has gained significant traction in recent years.Global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and governance concerns are increasingly placing businesses under scrutiny for their environmental and societal impact.
Concurrently, geospatial technology-encompassing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial analytics-has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding and addressing these issues.The intersection of ESG and geospatial technology goes beyond mere compliance; it serves as a catalyst for smarter decision-making, improved transparency, and a more sustainable future (Pang et al., 2022).This paper explores how geospatial technology is revolutionizing corporate ESG initiatives, from environmental monitoring to social impact mapping and governance transparency.Environmental Impact: Monitoring and MitigationOne of the most immediate and tangible applications of geospatial technology in the ESG landscape is in monitoring environmental impact.Businesses are increasingly expected to minimize their carbon footprint, manage natural resources responsibly, and reduce their contributions to environmental degradation.
Geospatial tools provide unprecedented capabilities to meet these expectations.Remote sensing and satellite imagery are instrumental in tracking key environmental factors such as deforestation, water consumption, and carbon emissions.For example, the use of GIS mapping in tracking deforestation has helped companies and governments alike to monitor land-use changes in real-time.In 2020, Amazon alone accounted for 17% of the global increase in deforestation, which was monitored through satellite data (INPE, 2021).
This level of data has been critical for corporations aiming to implement reforestation programs or manage land more sustainably (Rogan et al., 2019).Environmental risk assessments are further enhanced with geospatial technology.