MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) constitute the backbone of Southeast Asia's economy. According to the Asean Secretariat, these entities make up a staggering 99 percent of all enterprises in the region and employ nearly 80 percent of the labor force. While their economic footprint is undeniable, the question beckons: Are MSMEs embracing a holistic view of sustainability, one that transcends the current climate-centric focus?

The prevailing discourse on sustainability, heavily skewed toward climate change, is vital but not exhaustive. Such a unidimensional perspective risks overshadowing other crucial aspects like biodiversity loss, resource scarcity and social inequality. To forge a sustainable future, it's imperative to appreciate the nuanced intersections between climate change and other sustainability pillars.