Emerging risks from climate change - Research Proposal Example

The complexity of emerging behavioural risks from climate change. Aims The aims of the study would be summarized as follows: a) to present and analyse the behavioural implications of climate change, b) to show the responses of organizations to climate change, c) to show and evaluate the methods employed by organizations in Saudi Arabia for controlling the effects of climate change, d) to explain the challenges faced by organizations when developing/ establishing a plan for limiting the effects of climate change, e) to suggest potential solutions for the increase of effectiveness of organizational plans related to climate change.

Literature Review The behaviours related to climate change are many and quite complex referring to various human activities such as ‘car use, energy use, purchase decisions, voting behaviour and so on’ (Filho, 2010, p.164). On the other hand, human behaviours related to climate change can be quite complex (Parry, 2007); a problem involving also in organizations. The key characteristics of climate change are the following ones: ‘uncertainty, complexity and potential for dangerous consequences’ (Jubb, 2010, p.1). In a report published by the Parliament, House of Commons (Britain) it is noted that ‘the timescales of climate change is long and its extent is uncertain’ (Yeo, 2010, p. 110). In practice, it seems that high-emitting countries are likely to face more challenges when trying to control the effects of climate change – Saudi Arabia belongs in this category (Harman 2011).

At the same time, not all countries worldwide are adequately prepared for handling emergencies related to climate change; in a relevant report of Ernst & Young it is noted that Saudi Arabia has not, yet, established rules governing the reduction of gas across the country (Ernst & Young 2009). Moreover, Saudi Arabia is among the countries that have not yet ratified the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (The Canadian Press, 2011). Organizations in Saudi Arabia should be offered appropriate support in order for their efforts for controlling the risks of climate change to be successful.

References Ernst & Young (2009) Saudi Arabia: climate change. [Online]. Available from Filho, W. (2010) The Economic, Social and Political Elements of Climate Change. New York: Springer Harman, N. (2011) Climate change brings risks and opportunities for investors: Mercer. February 17 2011 [online]. Available from Jubb, I. (2010) Managing Climate Change: Papers from the Greenhouse 2009 Conference. Collingwood: Csiro Publishing Parry, M. (2007) Climate Change 2007: impacts, adaptation and vulnerability: contribution of Working Group II to the fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press The Canadian Press (2011) UN sees rising risks from climate change, toxic chemicals. February 21 2011 [online]. Available from < http://ca.news.yahoo.com/un-report-sees-effort-destroy-toxic-chemicals-made-20110221-044329-941.html> Yeo, T. (2010) Adapting to climate change: sixth report of session 2009-10, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence. London: Parliament: House of Commons, The Stationery Office