Environmental and social issues are disruptive forces that companies—led by their boards—must keep at the forefront when assessing their business strategy. Today’s directors shoulder a new set of tasks. They need to be able to determine which sustainability risks are the most material to the companies they lead. They also need to help direct their companies to capitalize on the market opportunity created by tackling sustainability challenges.

In a climate of unpredictability, building sustainability competence into corporate boards—where directors are skilled at assessing business risks and growth opportunities in light of evolving environmental, social and governance factors —is the way forward.