To read this content please select one of the options below:

Sustainable development can save the planet: Social responsibility and ecological consumerism are good for business and good for the world

Strategic Direction

ISSN: 0258-0543

Article publication date: 23 August 2011

1191

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Wars and rumors of war, plagues, disasters, floods and famines, economic crises: is it any wonder that many people view the future with trepidation, if not downright fear? The argument that major climate change is not anthropogenic has largely been discounted, but whatever the causes, the effects are only too obvious. This is very bad news for human populations and also for the commercial organizations that sustain communities. Industries that are critically dependent on natural resources and operate within narrow climactic conditions such as agriculture, the fishing industry, forestry and tourism may be among the first to experience the adverse effects of climate change. However, power, transportation, housing and financial sectors will also be severely compromised by predicted global changes. Add to this the human psychological and social unrest leading to unstable governments, conflict and population displacement and the picture looks even grimmer. Interestingly, much has been written about how industry effects climate but a quick scan of business literature reveals little discussion about how climate change will affect industry.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

Provides an easily accessible summary of relevant business concepts and presents them in a fresh way.

Keywords

Citation

(2011), "Sustainable development can save the planet: Social responsibility and ecological consumerism are good for business and good for the world", Strategic Direction, Vol. 27 No. 9, pp. 20-22. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580541111159629

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles