Actions Taken by Corporations to Address Environmental Challenges in Global Context - Coursework Example

A Report on the Actions Taken by Corporations to Address Environmental Challenges in Global Context (Name of the student) (Institution) (Date of Submission) The main environmental challenges faced by corporations in global context, actions taken to address them and the challenges they face confronting them Introduction Environment refers to the surrounding in which organisms, that is, animals, plant or humans operate or live (Speth, 2008). The environment is made of living organisms, air, water, land and other non-living components. It is made up of segments such as hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere (Speth, 2008). The environment we live is dynamic and as such is changing constantly. As the environment changes, there are myriads of challenges surrounding it day in day out. Some of these challenges are minor whereas the others are adverse posing great danger to the shape and the face of our environment. It is however crucial to note that these challenges ought to be confronted with all energy regardless of whether they are minor or major (Speth, 2008). Most of our environmental changes we face today are caused by human activities. These human activities include industrialization which results to pollution, climate change, clearing of forests for settlement and agriculture, mining, overstocking e.t.c (Brasseur, 2009). It is thus important for all and sundry starting from the governments, corporations, NGOs and the local communities to contribute towards the mitigation of these environmental challenges (Speth, 2008). 1. Pollution Environmental pollution refers to any action undertaken by individuals or corporations which affects the health or the surroundings /environment of other people in a given area, where them contributory relationship is noticeably conventional (Brasseur, 2009). Environmental pollution ranges from air, water, soil to land pollution (Brasseur, 2009). Corporations are combating pollution of air by ensuring the use of renewable sources of energy and improving their efficiencies. Besides, they have come up with models and monitoring approaches aimed at improving air quality (Brasseur, 2009). These strategies are important in shaping our environment and health. Other strategies embraced by corporations to curb air pollution include the development of policies and approaches to minimize air pollutants produced in their business operations (Brasseur, 2009). Corporations are also maximizing on the exploitation of modern technologies available as well as switching to safe and clean energy sources such as wind, biogas and solar energy. Corporations take part in the monitoring and make out the possible sources of pollution. They apply appropriate action and measures after identifying the sources of pollution sources (Olz & Beerepoot, 2010). This includes the installation of treatment and appropriate equipment to assists in prevention. Other measures would include compensating victims by after appropriate and inclusive negotiations (Olz & Beerepoot, 2010). There is also the challenge of financial burdens faced by corporations in investing in modern technology and equipment especially during hard economic times. This is due to the fact most of these technology and equipment used in controlling pollution are expensive and as such can reduce the corporation’s revenue (Olz & Beerepoot, 2010). 2. Climate change Climate change is an extreme environmental problem which many governments or states, corporations and even individuals are striving to come up with viable strategies to manage it (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009).Most governments have set obligatory targets aimed at reducing climate change for all chief firms that produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009). Most international communities, individual countries and corporations have recognized that climate change is a real global and local concern and as such are determined and working tirelessly to contribute to finding and implementing solutions to the challenges it poses (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009). An example of a corporation is the Anglo American PLC, a firm in the minerals and mining industry which uses the following strategies to mitigate climate change: • Observing and playing a part in global processes to reflect on strategies of confronting the problems of climate change; • Trying to know and appreciate stakeholder’s climate change concerns; • Working in partnership in research and growth plans to deal with climate change; • Putting every effort in the efficient use of energy and reducing greenhouse gas release levels in its business operations (Cassar, 2005). • Integrating climate change issues in the planning of its business and encourage collaboration among its players particularly in processes aimed at managing greenhouse gas emissions; and • Investigating opportunities and the success of embracing hazards emission reduction methods stipulated in the Kyoto protocol (Cassar, 2005). The British Airways for instance is encouraging and appealing to the concerned parties to continuously hasten the move towards the improvement in the efficiency of fuel and the enhancement of airframe design and engines (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009). Besides, it is calling for the improvement of airports and air traffic management systems which are important in boosting efficiency of fuel practices (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009). Corporations are faced with issue of inadequate funds, lack of government support in addressing the issue of climate change (Cassar, 2005). Besides, most corporations are concerned about short term profits at the expense of addressing environmental challenges. In addition most of them are afraid of meeting the cost of environmental challenges as this will mean passing these costs to their final consumer (Cassar, 2005). 3. Global warming Global warming is defined as the rise in global temperatures due to a buildup in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (Cassar, 2005). Methane and carbon dioxide are examples of Greenhouse gases which trap, confining high temperature nearer to the surface of the Earth and restraining it from being radiated away (Brasseur, 2009). It was only after many years of research and studies that scientists recognized that man’s actions, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil and gas) are a major cause of this trend toward higher temperatures. The car making Corporations are heeding the call to design more fuel efficient vehicles from stakeholders and other parties. On the other hand business firms in the transport industry are all paying attention to this call by purchasing the fuel efficient vehicles (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009). Other strategies used by corporations to curb global warming include the following: the use of renewable sources of energy which are mainly clean and environmentally friendly (Cassar, 2005). These energy sources include wind, solar and other forms of safe nuclear energy; and other forms of advanced technologies which can “trap” carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases “keeping” them in forms which make them moderately safe to the environment (Lovett, 2011). Corporations face a number of challenges while trying to curb global warming. Firstly, embracing modern technologies to control and manage greenhouse gases is a very costly drive and as such would require leaving out other projects (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009). Moreover, this will leads to consumers paying more for products supplied to them as the cost of meeting these technologies is passed on to them by businesses. Besides, the move to design more fuel efficient vehicles is an approach which can restrict customers’ freedom choices in terms of the type of vehicles the purchase (Brasseur, 2009). As if that is enough, some corporations are not ready to put genuine energy in the execution of voluntary controls, because of being motivated by the need to reap more profit, in order to solve pollution challenges. 4. Natural resource depletion and Loss of biodiversity Some corporations take part in afforestation and reforestation. They work individual as well as collaborating with local communities in planting trees in places where none existed or where they have been destroyed for fuel. The depletion of natural resources water bodies, forest cover, energy sources and minerals is a great threat in our today’s economy. The use of these resources for instance burning of fossils fuels has also resulted in the emission of harmful greenhouse gases such carbon dioxide which brought about global warming and climate change. Corporations are confronting this menace by exploiting renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar and biogas which are clean and environmentally friendly. Besides, they are taking the necessary measures to apply the principles of RECYCLE, RE-USE and REPAIR in order to overexploitation of resources. Mercedes Benz is good example of improve the designs of its vehicles and recycling its vehicles in order to its overall vehicle recycling program. Corporations are in the front line in ensuring that a balance between their water needs and environmental concerns are met. In order to reduce the water usage they are exploiting water purification systems. They are using advanced technologies in water purification to treat water against hazardous substances thus making them safe for use. One problem they face while taking action to solve on the use of renewable sources of energy is costs. There is an escalation in the cost of infrastructure installation and the maintenance of sources. In addition, corporations strive to mitigate the depletion of natural resources by collaborating with the governments, local authorities, nongovernmental organizations and the local communities. They work side by side and shoulder to shoulder with these parties towards the common goal of conserving natural resources. These corporations are working hard towards minimizing resources depletion as well as decreasing the release of greenhouse gases such carbon dioxide and methane (Bisgrove & Hadley, 2002). Corporations are considering Environmentally Conscious Design (ECD) with the aim of coming up with product which are environmentally friendly by exploiting an approach known as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA assesses and is a process for assessing and examine the resource impacts of a product in all its life cycle as well as its environmental and occupational health aspects (Tsai & Chou, 2005) Some corporations are involved in the conservation of our diversity, either directly or indirectly. There are those which take part directly in afforestation, controlling soil erosion by constructing gabions, setting funds for the protection of the endangered species, carrying out research on the cause of biodiversity loss and its possible remedies. There are a number of challenges faced by corporations in solving the issue of biodiversity loss and the depletion of natural resources (Tsai & Chou, 2005) These include lack of adequate willingness and support from other stakeholders, inadequate funds to curb and minimize this menace, lack adequate research on the best solutions to these problems and lack of incorporate all stakeholders to address the issue (Tsai & Chou, 2005) 5. Waste management In the effort to cut down wastes, corporations are striving to link research bodies to business and industry in order to identify beneficial means through which the industry and business can convert wastes into useful products. In simple words, the problem of waste is being controlled by cutting down the amount of wastes produced. In addition, they transform the manner in which products are being produced in order to decrease the general wastes and then discover new tactics of waste recycling (Gore, 2000, p. 146). A good example is the German electrical firm making use of coal in the production of electricity and at the same time converting its wastes into useful commercial product. This has been achieved by trapping air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide over the using a spray of both limestone and water over the smoke. The waste produced is then used to make products such as wallboards used in homes and various buildings. The plant therefore reduced the waste levels in the production stage. There also exists harmful waste especially existing in chemicals forms generated by corporations or firms and organizations in the same sector, together with wastes in radioactive forms produced by nuclear power firms, which must be stored safely (Lovett, 2011). Corporations are storing the hazardous wastes underground in caves which are quite inactive in terms of their material stability. This poses serious challenges due to the fact that harmful or hazardous substances must be carried to new storage destinations (Cassar, 2005) Waste creation is being monitored by corporations in its business operation of production. There several methods and approaches used by corporations to carry out this monitoring. However, the most common technique used to ascertain and measure poisonous emissions and chemical hazards is the weighting methods for various manufacturing techniques. (Horvath et al., 1995, p.855) One concern in the transportation of theses hazardous substances, using trucks and trains, is accidents as these substances are ferried from one place to another. Besides, corporations face a possible problem of ground water contamination especially if these hazardous substances leak in the underground caves destroying water supply (Lovett, 2011). Corporations do burn some of their solid wastes materials in incinerators. This approach to solid wastes reduction has the advantage of cutting down wastes by ninety percent (90%). However, its disadvantage is that it increases air pollution as result of the release of toxic matter which includes mercury, dioxins and arsenic (Gore, 2000, p. 157). Besides, corporations, face the challenge of meeting the cost of purchasing and installing modern technologies in managing wastes. 6. Natural disasters A natural disaster refers to a major unfavorable occurrence which results from natural unforeseeable earth’s processes. It affects many people annually and includes storms, drought, earthquakes, windstorms, fire, floods, landslides and debris flow, volcanic eruptions and adverse heat. Besides causing the destruction of property and assets, natural disasters also cause the destruction of lives (Horvath, 1995). Corporations closely work with meteorological departments in order to be update on the occurrence of some of these natural calamities (Bisgrove & Hadley, 2002). Besides, they also liaise with these departments in getting the necessary precautions and the resources required in order to confronting these environmental challenges. The corporations carry out budgeting on the resources required and collaborate with governments, NGOs, local governments and authorities, local communities and other stakeholders. Moreover, most corporations are turning to insurance companies for help to protect their businesses from any unforeseeable events and eventualities (Horvath, 1995). Most of these calamities occur unexpected and is beyond human control and as such many people fall victim of these environmental challenges especially if prior forecast is not carried out for planning purposes (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009).This poses great challenges to corporations and governments while striving to confront them in the environment. Another challenge faced by corporations is the fact that these natural disasters require a lot of resources (time, finance, man power) and skills in order to keep them at bay. Besides, corporations, face the challenge of meeting the cost of purchasing and installing modern technologies in managing disasters. Conclusion One important factor in confronting environmental challenge is time which is. For this reason all concerned parties should act as soon as possible in order to reduce and even eliminate environmental challenges before they become more chronic and thus causing adverse effects (Anand, 2013). In addition to time, the other key factors or components required in confronting environmental challenges include setting the right priorities, putting the urgency it deserves and boldness in making decisions to bring things to normalcy. Environmental concerns are becoming popular globally as communities, industry players, governments and international bodies put energies and resources to salvage the situation (Anand, 2013). However more need to be done by government and business firms in mitigating environmental challenges. A recent research study indicates in order to use virgin resources sustainably; environmentally friendly products should be manufactured (Bisgrove & Hadley, 2002). Besides, corporations should incorporate the concept of sustainability in the business planning and operations. More need to be done to incorporate the concepts of re-use, recycle and repair (Anand, 2013). More importantly, National laws on environment must be harmonized with those at the global level since environment is global phenomena and not a national issue. Recommendations 1. Corporations must evaluate their intensifying association between climate change and their firms or businesses (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009)It is important for Corporations especially those using high energy and emitting considerable quantity of greenhouse gas to assess their contact from new set of laws and come up with effective ways of reducing or eliminating those hazards. Besides, those which are susceptible direct hazards should also review their supply chains as well as assets (Cogan, 2006). 2. Corporations should manage environmental risks and maximize on new opportunities available in the market by coming up with viable business plans and exercising informed execution of these plans (Public agenda, 2015) The plans can range from success company policies and measures for plummeting and curbing hazards, establishing realistic targets and formulating goals geared at ensuring efficiency in the use of energy and coming up with or procuring modern technologies in energy (Public agenda, 2015) Companies should also participate in climate policy dialogues that will reduce financial risks and enhance competitiveness opportunities (Cogan, 2006) 3. It is important for corporations to liaise with stakeholders such as analysts and investors promoting a culture of sharing and exchanging environmental challenge. They should also reveal the plans evaluation and execution both in the yearly financial and social corporate responsibility reports (Cogan, 2006) 4. More importantly, leaders in the corporate world must shun away from short-range thinking especially when executing environmental challenge strategies well and stressing on establishing long-term approach towards these challenges. As a rule, the margin between company decision-makers and the enduring impacts of their resolution must be reduced (Cogan, 2006) 5. It is also necessary to carry out further research in order to come up with safer storage places for hazardous nuclear wastes in order to keep these substances in some inactive or inert form (Sovacool, 2008). Further research also need to be done on environmental change and come up with relevant indicators of sustainability which are important in fueling policies, creating awareness and strategy formulation (Public agenda, 2015) 6. Education and awareness It is crucial that governments, private sector and other stakeholders provide education on environmental issues and challenges to people at all levels of the society (Saravanan, et al. 2008). Issues that can be incorporated in education and awareness include global warming, climate change, pollution, and depletion of natural resources among other issues of the environment (Anand, 2013). Media such print and broadcast, the internet and social media can be exploited for successful campaigns. Additionally, libraries, exhibitions and museums can also be used to carry out this education and awareness (Saravanan, et al. 2008). References Anand S.V. (2013) Global Environmental Issues. 2: 632 doi:10.4172/ scientificreports.632 Cogan, D.G. (2006) Corporate Governance and Climate Change: Making the Connection. Washington: Investor Responsibility Research Center, Inc. Bisgrove R. and Hadley P. (2002) Gardening in the global greenhouse: the impacts of climate change on gardens in the UK. UKCIP, Oxford, UK. Brasseur, G. (2009). Implications of climate change for air quality. WMO Bulletin. 58(1). p 10-15. Cassar, M. (2005) Climate Change and the Historic Environment. Centre for Sustainable Heritage. University College London, London, UK. Horvath, A. et al. (1995) Performance measurement for environmentally conscious manufacturing. p. 855-860. Lovett, R. (2011) Natural Gas Greenhouse Emissions Study Draws Fire. Available from: http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110 415/full/news.2011.242.html (accessed Oct. 20, 2015) Olz, S. and Beerepoot M. (2010) Deploying Renewables in Southeast Asia: Trends and Potentials. Paris: International Energy Agency. Public agenda. (2015) Facing the Challenge of Climate Change. Available from: www.publicagenda.org (accessed Oct. 19, 2015) Saravanan, P.A. et al. (2008) Effects of Thermal Discharge from a Nuclear Power Plant on Culturable Bacteria at a Tropical Coastal Location in India. Journal of Thermal Biology. 33(7). p. 385–394. Sovacool, B.K. (2008) Valuing the Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Nuclear Power: A Critical Survey. Energy Policy. 36 (8). p. 2940–2953. Speth, J.G. (2008) The Bridge at the Edge of the World: Capitalism, the Environment, and Crossing from Crisis to Sustainability. New Haven: Yale University Press. Tsai, W.T. and Y.H. Chou. (2005) Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 9 (2). p. 119–147. Yusuf, A.A. and H.A. Francisco. (2009) Climate Change Vulnerability Mapping for Southeast Asia. Singapore: International Development Research Centre. www.publicagenda.oFacing the Challenges o Read More