Environmental Issues Faced By Business And Society Research

Environmental Issues Faced By Business And Societyresearch And Explain

Environmental Issues Faced by Business and Society Research and explain the importance of an environmental issue (fracking, hazardous waste disposal, oil pipeline leaks, deforestation, etc.) faced by business and society. Additionally, describe at least two strategic approaches organizations are using to respond to the issue. The requirements below must be met for your paper to be accepted and graded: Write between 750 – 1,250 words (approximately 3 – 5 pages) using Microsoft Word in APA style, see example below. Use font size 12 and 1-inch margins. Include cover page and reference page.

At least 80% of your paper must be original content/writing. No more than 20% of your content/information may come from references. Use at least three references from outside the course material. Cite all reference material (data, dates, graphs, quotes, paraphrased words, values, etc.) in the paper and list on a reference page in APA style. References must come from sources such as, scholarly journals found in EBSCOhost, CNN, online newspapers such as, The Wall Street Journal, government websites, etc. Sources such as, Wikis, Yahoo Answers, eHow, blogs, etc. are not acceptable for academic writing.

Paper For Above instruction

The relationship between business operations and environmental sustainability is increasingly critical in today’s global economy. Environmental issues such as deforestation, pollution, hazardous waste disposal, and oil leaks not only threaten ecological stability but also pose significant risks to societal well-being and corporate reputation. This paper explores one pressing environmental issue—deforestation—and discusses its importance, impacts on society and business, and strategic responses adopted by organizations to mitigate its effects.

Introduction

Deforestation refers to the large-scale clearing of forests, primarily for agriculture, logging, urban development, or resource extraction. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2020), approximately 10 million hectares of forest are lost annually worldwide. This rapid rate of deforestation has multifaceted implications, affecting biodiversity, climate change, indigenous communities, and the economy. Businesses, especially those in agriculture, timber, and mining sectors, face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices to reduce their contribution to deforestation and to respond to societal demands for environmental responsibility.

The Importance of Addressing Deforestation

Addressing deforestation is vital due to its profound impact on climate change, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and thus mitigating global warming. The loss of forest cover accelerates climate change, which in turn affects agricultural productivity and increases the frequency of natural disasters (Hansen et al., 2013). Moreover, forests are home to over 80% of terrestrial species, and their destruction leads to massive biodiversity loss (WWF, 2021). Indigenous and local communities depend heavily on forests for their livelihoods and cultural identities; deforestation thereby threatens their survival and well-being.

Environmental Impact and Societal Consequences

The environmental consequences of deforestation are extensive. The removal of trees reduces air quality and disrupts water cycles, leading to erosion, reduced soil fertility, and increased flooding (FAO, 2020). Societal impacts include displacement of indigenous populations, loss of ecosystem services, and heightened vulnerabilities to climate-related hazards. For instance, the Amazon rainforest, often called the "lungs of the Earth," has seen record-breaking deforestation rates, alarming environmentalists and policymakers alike (Gatti et al., 2021). This environmental degradation can also result in economic costs, such as decreased timber resources and the loss of eco-tourism opportunities.

Strategic Approaches to Combat Deforestation

Organizations are employing various strategies to address deforestation, emphasizing sustainable practices and corporate responsibility. Two notable approaches are adopting sustainable supply chain management and engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

1. Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Many companies are integrating sustainability into their supply chains to curtail deforestation. This involves sourcing materials from suppliers committed to responsible forestry practices, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Rainforest Alliance. For example, multinational corporations like Unilever and Procter & Gamble have committed to zero-deforestation policies for their sourcing of palm oil, soy, and paper products (Ingram et al., 2019). These policies are supported by traceability systems that monitor and verify supply chain practices, ensuring minimal ecological impact. Sustainable supply chain management not only reduces environmental harm but also aligns companies with consumer values and regulatory standards.

2. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Initiatives

Beyond supply chain management, organizations are actively participating in reforestation projects and conservation programs. Many firms partner with environmental NGOs to restore degraded ecosystems or fund afforestation initiatives. For instance, the Coca-Cola Company has invested in water replenishment and reforestation projects in regions where it operates (Coca-Cola, 2020). Additionally, companies are adopting internal policies that promote energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable resource use. These CSR initiatives enhance brand reputation, foster stakeholder trust, and demonstrate a proactive stance toward environmental stewardship (Bhattacharya et al., 2013).

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite these strategies, tackling deforestation presents challenges such as complex supply chains, inadequate enforcement of environmental laws, and economic reliance on forest exploitation. Effective responses require collaboration among governments, businesses, NGOs, and local communities. The rising consumer demand for sustainably produced goods is expected to drive further corporate commitments and innovations in sustainable forestry. Moreover, advancements in remote sensing and blockchain technology offer new opportunities for transparency and accountability in supply chains (Liu et al., 2022).

Conclusion

Deforestation exemplifies an urgent environmental issue affecting both business and society. Its environmental and societal consequences necessitate strategic responses that are sustainable, transparent, and collaborative. Organizations play a crucial role in reducing their impact through sustainable supply chain practices and CSR initiatives. Going forward, comprehensive policy frameworks combined with technological innovations will be vital in combating deforestation and fostering a more sustainable relationship between business and the environment.

References

• Bhattacharya, C. B., Korschun, D., & Sen, S. (2013). Strengthening Corporate Social Responsibility Through Investor Relations. Journal of Business Ethics, 118(4), 617-629.
• Coca-Cola. (2020). Water Replenishment and Reforestation Efforts. Retrieved from https://www.coca-colacompany.com/
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2020). Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020. FAO.
• Gatti, L., et al. (2021). Amazon Deforestation and Its Climate Impacts. Nature Communications, 12, 940.
• Hansen, M. C., et al. (2013). High-Resolution Global Maps of 21st-Century Forest Cover Change. Science, 342(6160), 850-853.
• Ingram, H., et al. (2019). Corporate Commitments to Zero Deforestation. Environmental Science & Policy, 101, 39-45.
• Liu, Y., et al. (2022). Blockchain Technology in Forest Supply Chains: Enhancing Transparency and Accountability. Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 41(2), 134-152.
• WWF. (2021). Forests and Climate Change. World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved from https://www.wwf.org/