Synergies and Gaps in ESG, Climate Disasters, and Social Inequality: A Literature Review

This study examines how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks intersect with climate-related disasters and social inequality. While ESG practices are promoted to enhance corporate accountability and resilience, their implications for disaster risk reduction and equity remain underexplored. We conduct a structured literature review across four intersections: ESG–disasters, ESG–inequality, disasters–inequality, and their combined nexus. This systematic review analyzes 269 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and bibliometric co-word mapping to identify thematic clusters across ESG, disaster, and inequality research. Findings show that ESG has been widely analyzed in risk disclosure, green finance, and accountability but less in addressing inequality. Disaster–inequality studies highlight vulnerable groups at heightened risk, yet few works integrate all three areas. This review highlights the need for greater integration among ESG, disaster, and inequality frameworks. Ultimately, ESG should be understood not only as a reporting tool but also as a driver of equitable resilience.