Goal 3. Harness markets and enterprise to expand economic opportunity and protect the environment.

Private enterprise has an enormous influence on human and economic development around the world. Businesses provide goods and services that meet essential human needs, create jobs and wealth in communities, and produce technologies that enhance the quality of life and productivity of the economy. These important functions, however, often come at the expense of the environment and social conditions. Industrial activities can also directly impact human health and access to resources on which communities depend.

Whether viewed as a provider of solutions or source of problems, the private sector has a critical role to play in moving society to live in ways that meet the needs of current and future generations. As the influence of the private sector grows around the world, there is a unique opportunity for NGO advocacy and collaboration with the private sector to steer business investment and innovation toward finding solutions to environment and development challenges.

WRI actively works with the private sector on market-based strategies that protect Earth’s climate and ecosystems, as well as on government policies that support these markets.