Social impact, rights & just transition · Core
Adverse impact
Also called: harmful impact
ELI5
A negative effect on people or environment.
Used in conversation
“State the boundary and evidence behind adverse impact before publishing the claim.”
Pitch context
You will see “Adverse impact” in sustainability reports, impact decks, climate plans and assurance materials when the discussion reaches social impact, rights & just transition.
Why it matters: In social impact, rights & just transition, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Connected terms
- Negative impactThe search label “Adverse impact” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- IFRS Foundation / International Sustainability Standards Board — IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 Sustainability Disclosure StandardsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — BLS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- GHG Protocol — Standards and GuidanceSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- International Organization for Standardization — ISO Net Zero Guidelines and related workSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16