Our Latest Thinking on Social Impact

The power of adaptation strategies diminishes rapidly when global warming exceeds certain thresholds. Without mitigation efforts, these limits constrict, leaving communities more vulnerable and investments less effective.

Led by Systemiq, this report features a BCG-authored chapter focused on how private capital can help advance people-centered adaptation through 15 "Best Buys."

A comprehensive map of opportunities in Climate A&R solutions shows that the market is primed for investors to act now.

BCG has quantified the staggering cost of inaction on climate. To avoid worst-case scenarios, the private sector and other stakeholders must ramp up their collaboration.

Action to enhance adaptation and resilience is urgently needed. A new approach for tracking the impact of a country’s A&R investments could unlock investment.

As the largest employer and controller of capital and supply chains, the private sector is well positioned to set new industry standards and support planetary and human health in the face of climate change. Actions to strengthen food systems, rethink urban infrastructure, improve health care responses, and reshape insurance models will be essential to mitigating risks and building climate resilience.

It takes extensive financial and technical expertise for blended finance to have an impact and generate attractive returns, says GAWA Capital’s Luca Torre in a conversation with BCG’s Shalini Unnikrishnan.

Financial institutions have a major business opportunity in social impact. A global BCG survey reveals what’s standing in their way—and how they can up their game.

Financial institutions that lead on social tend to outperform. But there is no “net zero” for social—and banks are struggling to seize the opportunity.

By 2030, BCG estimates that companies will spend up to $3 trillion on adaptation and resilience. Banks are uniquely positioned to offer advice and capital.

Persistent underdiagnosis and undertreatment of common conditions have created a massive gap in the health care market for US women.

Extreme weather events such as cyclones and floods will drive increases in the incidence of sickness and death from malaria in Africa, according to a new study.

BCG conducted a study of more than 70 organizations—including philanthropies, multilateral development banks, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, private sector actors, and others—to understand how key stakeholders are approaching the climate-health challenge.

Too often is it taken for granted that the environment is a massive determinant of human well-being. Putting health at the center of our climate discussions is critical.

BCG’s Johanna Benesty explains that, while businesses in every sector have the potential to be socially transformative, the opportunity in healthcare is particularly great.

A clear framework outlines mechanisms and pathways that unlock more capital to ensure the climate transition is not only green but also equitable.

BCG collaborated with Mastercard and Nubank to analyze consumer data and insights across the Brazilian market to map the financial inclusion journey and provide a framework for financial inclusion.

The continent is rich in youthful, entrepreneurial energy. Well-planned investments now can help Africa transform itself into a global center of technological and ecological innovation.

Africa is setting its sights on a future shaped by a young population, rapid urbanization, climate change, growing digital capacity, regional cooperation, and entrepreneurial innovation.

The climate crisis is already displacing millions, and the problem is poised to get worst. Is enough being done? How can the public and private sectors come together to address this issue?

Recovery efforts in Ukraine hinge on the country's capacity to absorb technical and financial support. BCG and The European Investment Bank recommend key frameworks and principals for maximizing the economic and social impact of these efforts, as well as strategies for prioritizing funding and support.

Companies must deploy three strategies—centered on global talent, cross-border innovation, and taking a stand for human rights—to maximize value from migration.

David Young clarifies the private sector's role in preparing for humanitarian crises for the good of the business, its employees, and the country in which it operates.

Improvements in African agriculture could have an outsized impact on global sustainable development efforts. But massive increases in investment in the sector will be required.

Worldwide consumption of refined grains contributes significantly to diet-related disease and malnutrition. Production of these grains creates serious environmental damage. A powerful antidote to these problems is fortified whole grains.

Regenerative agriculture is one of the most effective ways to lower Denmark’s CO2e footprint and improve the sustainability of its agriculture sector.

The cost of food is rising rapidly, and hunger is on the increase. What will it take to build a better way to feed the world?

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, our global food systems are struggling to feed those most at risk.

Organizations can focus their attention on just these four areas to diagnose where they may be falling short in their efforts to meet employees’ needs.

Talent can be hard to source and retain, even as segments of the US population lack access to satisfying, supportive jobs. Three initiatives are making a difference.

Private equity and venture capital firms whose ownership is predominantly women or people of color may unlock access to differentiated deal flow for their investors.

Investors often misperceive—and therefore overlook—an ethnic group that’s a growing economic powerhouse in the US.