"The first mainstream mention of the term ‘ESG’ was present in a 2004 report from the United Nations (UN) and has since become a cornerstone of business growth, accelerating over the past decade. It seems the term is sometimes used interchangeably with ‘sustainability’, which still contain their own nuances."

Link: https://sustainabilitymag.com/esg/blackrock-lawsuit-recognises-the-importance-of-esg-in-the-us