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By Pedro Augusto<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> The debate around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices has taken on new contours amid recent global crises involving geopolitical conflicts, tariff pressures, and increasingly frequent climate-related events. In this context, taking action to reduce environmental damage and implement sustainable practices is essential for companies seeking to remain competitive.<\/p> This discussion was further explored during one of the panels at the Brazil-Canada Summit, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC). Executives from different sectors shared insights on climate risk, international metrics, corporate culture, and practical applications of sustainability.<\/p> \u201cThe value of analyzing environmental risks is extremely powerful for business development,\u201d said Sergio Myssior, coordinator of CCBC\u2019s Compliance and ESG Committee and CEO of the MYR Group. He noted that companies adopting corporate policies to preserve the surrounding ecosystem tend to be more valued and competitive in the market. \u201cThe ESG agenda is directly connected to business operations,\u201d he added.<\/p> This connection exists because, according to him, sustainable practices used as governance tools help organizations anticipate environmental risks that affect society, strengthen their image within the community, and reduce negative impacts on productivity \u2014 a global trend driven by climate change. \u201cClimate events can disrupt supply chains and even lead to shortages of essential inputs.\u201d<\/p> During the event, Rosane Fukuoka, Technical Director at Mitsidi, highlighted how geopolitical tensions affect Brazilian supply chains. She recalled that the 50% surcharge imposed by the United States on Brazilian products in July caused an 80% drop in exports and the loss of 15,000 jobs in S\u00e3o Paulo alone, according to a study conducted by her company.<\/p> This loss of international market share means that only the most productive companies remain competitive. To thrive, they must rely on highly skilled professionals who increasingly choose where they want to work. \u201cYoung people no longer want to work for conventional companies; they want to be in organizations aligned with their values,\u201d Rosane noted, emphasizing the importance of connecting corporate reputation with ESG policies.<\/p> For Giovanna Cappellano, from Concepta Ingredients, ESG begins with corporate culture. \u201cResponsibility, ethics, and morality are integral to business; when you work ethically, you\u2019re already beginning to adopt ESG practices,\u201d she said. The executive also shared internal data illustrating the benefits of integrating governance and sustainability. Since implementing ESG-focused initiatives, Concepta has recorded up to a 20% increase in sales, a reduction of up to 30% in financial risks, and a 57% decrease in employee turnover. \u201cESG is not a temporary trend; it\u2019s already part of everyday conversations \u2014 with Human Resources, with communities, in environmental matters, and in governance.\u201d<\/p> A tool to support companies on their ESG journey<\/strong><\/p> During the panel, Sergio Myssior from CCBC\u2019s Compliance and ESG Committee and the MYR Group also highlighted an initiative aimed at helping companies adopt sustainable practices. He explained that the ESG Calculator \u2014 developed by ESG Solutions and made available to Chamber members \u2014 is designed to guide organizations in assessing their sustainability maturity.<\/p> \u201cWith this tool, we show that the transition toward governance with these dimensions is naturally long, but it doesn\u2019t need to be costly or complex; it can be accessible even for small and medium-sized businesses.\u201d<\/p>