Be that as it may, I would be remiss not to raise a host of problems that arise from the pursuit of ESG goals.

For the sake of clarity and brevity, I'll tackle ESG problems in three separate columns. This column will discuss economic problems that arise from pursuing ESG goals. The next will explore political problems with the implementation and application of ESG criteria. A third will question the moral status of ESG itself as a matter of justice, compassion, virtue, and freedom. These are deep waters, so I must ask the reader's pardon, as with all the columns in my series, if anything that follows seems rushed or oversimplified.

Costs and (Un)Feasibility of Carbon Offsets

The environmental component clearly has the biggest economic implications. When it comes to "net zero" pledges and the use of renewable energy, pursuing ESG creates massive costs for society and ultimately has limited feasibility, even if it were to be embraced by everyone. Let's consider the cost of carbon offsets first.