What Wikileaks means for Sustainability

Sunshine is the best weapon

By Emma Herman | 6 February 2011, 13:48

Knowledge is power. WikiLeaks is equalizing the access to information for people around the world. This could be great news for sustainability.

The emergence of WikiLeaks is shifting the political power balance in favour of citizens around the world. As people gain access to information about what their governments are doing, they are better able to hold their political leaders accountable. Greater access to information about what companies are doing could also help in holding business leaders accountable for their actions.

Sunshine is the best weapon
Since Greenpeace brought the world’s attention to Shell’s plans to dispose of the Brent Spar oil platform in 1995, companies have increasingly been called to account for their conduct. As shady business practices hit the headlines, people are becoming increasingly aware of the impact corporations have on people and the planet. Companies now see the risk of negative media attention for unethical behaviour. This is making executives think twice before cutting corners when it comes to corporate responsibility.

Rethink, Rebuild, Report
If indeed WikiLeaks has started a trend of equalizing access to information, we can expect a growing responsiveness of business to the sustainability concerns that so many of us share. Companies that want to be ahead of the curve on the transparency trend can turn to the Global Reporting Initiative, which helps executives around the world in rethinking, rebuilding and reporting on their way of doing business. Part of doing honest business is being open and transparent about the choices you make as a company. I look forward to seeing how WikiLeaks will encourage companies around the world to put their cards on the table; before someone else does it for them. Transparency is an important first step on the road to sustainability. Because as television psychologist Dr. Phil always says, ‘You cannot change what you do not acknowledge’.