YW

Study Notes on Environmental and Sustainable Business Practices

Learning Objectives

  • Overview of business practices contributing to environmental sustainability issues.

  • Major challenges in the global marketplace regarding sustainability.

  • Factors affecting response capabilities of governments, organizations, and individuals.

  • Necessity for organizations to integrate sustainability into strategies.

Consumption Journey

  • Transition from agricultural to production-based society (mid-1700s) led to:

    • Increased production and specialization.

    • Societal shift towards a consumption-oriented marketplace.

    • Accumulation of waste without concern for future impact.

Environmental Challenges

  • Growing environmental degradation prompted regulatory compliance.

  • Need for businesses to evolve from compliance to sustainable strategies.

Sustainability Challenges

  • Global population expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, stressing resources.

  • Climate change impacts include reduced agricultural yields with increasing temperatures.

    • Urgent need to cut carbon emissions by 50% within 40 years.

Pollution and Health

  • 9 million deaths annually linked to environmental factors.

  • 2.2 billion people lack access to clean drinking water.

Toxic Threats

  1. Lead: Major neurological damage.

  2. Mercury: Affects kidneys and brain function.

  3. Chromium: Damages multiple body systems.

  4. Cadmium: Leads to renal and bone disease.

  5. Pesticides: Causes neurological and reproductive damage.

Energy Crisis

  • Rapid consumption of oil and anticipated significant increase in global energy demand.

  • Key issues include availability of resources and energy productivity improvements.

Resource Management

  • Recognition of finite resources and the importance of efficiency.

  • Societal pressure to address environmental degradation linked to brand reputation.

Emissions and Sustainability Efforts

  • Commitment to zero pollution/waste.

  • Importance of access to new technologies and education.

Future Strategies for Sustainability

  • Long-term benefits include enhanced efficiencies, customer retention, and new business opportunities.

  • Emphasis on addressing climate, biodiversity, and food crises through revised business practices and ESG models.