Environment Preservation Measures as a Part of Global Business Practice - Research Paper Example

Introduction The rapid advancement of technology has brought about a massive change in our lifestyle which has not always been in our best interest. Fast depletion of natural resources has disturbed the eco system, resulting in change in global environmental conditions like global warming, increasing number of climate related natural disasters etc. Indeed, the sustainable development approach of the 1970s and the issues posed by climate change more recently have raised significant challenges to the dominant modernist development paradigm. It has therefore, become critical to development measures for identification and mitigation of factors that contribute towards climate change. Historical aspect, Current and future Global Scenario of Climate Change and its impact The history has been witness to gradual and abrupt climate change through the millions of years which has been responsible for extinction of living organisms, including plants, animals and human life. The industrial revolution has been catalyst to the exploitation of natural resources like coal, wood and other types of natural resources. The post WWI has witnessed great leap in the advancing technology and increasing exploitation of natural resources like oil and natural gas. In 1970s and 80s, women’s contribution to the development processes had been recognized. In the southern countries like South East Asia, Africa, Australia etc. the exploitation of natural resources have been part of the development processes which have huge implications for environment and sustainable development. World development report asserts that if left unmanaged, the climate change will reverse development progress and compro­mise the well-being of current and future generations (WDR, 2010). Factors contributing towards climate change The human threats to the environment comprise of many significant factors that are important ingredients of development process. Population growth in the last quarter of the century saw an unprecedented increase in population bringing new challenges in its wake. Pielke et al. (2003) claim that climate change, causing extreme weather conditions and natural calamities, are much greater when they occur in regions having poor infrastructure, huge populations etc. The fast advancing technology and rapid globalization, including local migration, has adversely affected the ecological conditions. Carbon emission and green house effects are also major factors for climate change. The various drivers of climate greatly contribute towards sustenance of life and determine characteristics and distribution of ‘natural and managed system including the cryosphere, hydrology and water resources, marine and freshwater biological systems, terrestrial biological systems, agriculture and forestry’(Parmesan and Yohe, 2003; Thomas et al., 2004). Managed system can broadly be defined as systems that have considerable human input like agriculture, health etc. Dyson (2005) says that economic development is correlated to the fossil energy – coal, oil and natural gas. Fast depletion and pollution of natural resources has disturbed the eco system, resulting in change in global environmental conditions like global warming, increasing number of climate related natural disasters etc. Moberg and Folke (1999) have stressed that Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse and economically important ecosystems on the planet. Coral reefs facilitate ecosystem services to the human societies and industries through fisheries, coastal protection, building materials, new biochemical compounds, and tourism (Hoegh-Guldberg, et al, 2007). Management strategies for mitigating impact of CC Kyoto Protocol is one of the most important frameworks Convention on Climate Change that had become legal entity on 16 February, 2005. Its basic objective is to restrict greenhouse emissions by the developing and developed countries by setting targets for them (BBCNews, 2005). Greenhouse gases help to regulate earth’s temperature but indiscriminate increase in the greenhouse gases like carbon di-oxide and methane etc have damaging impact, changing the earth’s temperature disproportionately resulting in extreme weather conditions. Need for sustainable development Sustainable development is defined as maintenance of ecosystem that facilitates a continuous supply of natural resources like water, clean air, energy and food with proper waste disposal system. The conservation and preservation of natural resources are important part of population dynamics as its sustenance depends on the available resources. World Bank (2008) has been categorical in its report for Climate change responses and has asserted that proactive participation of the development community is essential to ensure adequate and effective adaptation and mitigation measures. It is important that awareness regarding sustainable development is created amongst the public so that despite advancement in technology, environment is preserved for our future generation. Government’s initiatives The various countries need to enact laws and guidelines for conservation and preservation of environment through stringent measures. UK has enacted Climate Change Act 2008 which has‘a legally binding long-term framework to cut carbon emissions. It also creates a framework for building the UKs ability to adapt to climate change’(defra, 2008). It promotes well defined guidelines and laws for emission of greenhouse gases and other measures to mitigate and adapt to the climate change with equanimity and conscious awareness. While cut in the emission of greenhouse gases is extremely welcome step, the need to inculcate habits that promote environment preservation in the daily routine of common man has become vital part of government initiatives. Corporate social responsibility of business The private initiatives by the corporate world by incorporating the socio-environmental paradigms within the framework of their strategic goals and visions helps the companies to contribute towards environmental conservations and social issues which have considerable impact on the sustainable development. The process of globalization has also raised the pertinent issue of corporate social responsibilities of global businesses that are working in developing economies who need to be more proactive towards the socially relevant issues. ‘CSR, defined in terms of the responsiveness of businesses to stakeholders’ legal, ethical, social and environmental expectations, is one outcome of these developments’ (UNIDO, 2002). Individuals’ duty and adaptation to changing climate The climate change related issues are considerably influenced by the socio-economic dynamics of the society. The vulnerability of the poor and disadvantaged countries or the segment within the society is greatly enhanced as compared to his counterpart who may be economically well placed (Leary et al., 2006). Developed countries must extend support to under developed and developing economies to meet the challenges of climate CC. Environment concern also needs to be inculcated amongst the general public through dissemination of information for promoting goods and services that incorporate good environmental paradigms within their daily schedules. Development of cleaner technologies, use of recycled paper, buying goods from people who promote environment and doing business with people who are sensitive towards the environment issues are few of the ways, individuals can contribute constructively towards the preservation and conservation of environment. Conclusion One can therefore, conclude that climate change is the most important issue of the contemporary times and needs to be addressed urgently on a global business because it affects everyone, whether they come from rich country or belong to the under developed economies. Proactive participation of people and corporate bodies is critical to environment conservation. Sustainable development needs to be encouraged through environment preservation measures and must become intrinsic part of global business practice. Reference BBC News. (16 February, 2005). Kyoto Protocol. Available from: [Accessed 26 April, 2010]. DEFRA. Climate Change Act 2008. 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