Sustainability Worksheet MGT360 - University Of Phoenix

Sustainability Worksheetmgt360 Version 22university Of Phoenix Materi

Sustainability Worksheet MGT/360 Version University of Phoenix Material

Section A: Answer the following questions in complete sentences or you may write your answers on a separate sheet. Your response to each question should be written in a minimum of 175 words.

1. Define sustainability. Describe the different aspects of sustainability as it relates to individuals, organizations, and social awareness.

2. Based on this week’s required readings, what are the main causes of threats to the environment and the quest for a green society?

3. Define social responsibility. What do scientists predict will happen in Earth’s future if we do not increase our sustainability practices?

Section B: Fill in the chart below with complete sentences or you may write your answers on a separate sheet. Your response to each section of the chart should be written in 90-175 words. For each item listed below:

1. Identify one related threat to the biosphere.

2. Describe business practices that may cause this problem.

3. Describe alternative business practices that may help reduce or avoid this problem.

Threats | Business practices | Alternatives

  • Food | | |
  • Water | | |
  • Energy | | |
  • Pollution | | |
  • Species | | |
  • Atmosphere | | |
  • Ecological disaster | | |

Section C: Answer the following questions in complete sentences or you may write your answers on a separate sheet. Your response to each question should be written in a minimum of 260 words.

1. Based on this week’s required readings, summarize threats to the environment that may cause global climate change. Then, conduct an Internet search on opposition of accepted causes of climate change. Which perspective do you agree with? Cite at least two APA-formatted sources to support your points and include a reference page at the bottom.

2. List several ways in which an organization’s leadership can encourage social responsibility and environmental awareness. What potential effects might such actions have on business practices and public perception?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Sustainability has become a pivotal concept in the 21st century, encompassing efforts to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. It encompasses environmental health, social equity, and economic viability, forming a comprehensive framework for responsible behavior at individual, organizational, and societal levels. As awareness of environmental issues grows, understanding the different facets of sustainability is essential for fostering meaningful change.

Understanding Sustainability

Sustainability refers to the capacity to maintain ecological and social systems over time. For individuals, it involves adopting lifestyles that minimize environmental impacts, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable products. For organizations, sustainability principles require integrating environmentally friendly practices into operations, such as reducing carbon footprints, responsible sourcing, and waste management, while also considering social responsibility towards communities and employees. On a broader social level, sustainability involves raising awareness, advocating for policies that protect natural habitats, and promoting equitable resource distribution. These perspectives collectively emphasize a balance between human activities and environmental preservation, aiming for a resilient and equitable future.

Main Causes of Environmental Threats and the Quest for a Green Society

According to recent literature, primary causes of environmental threats include industrial pollution, deforestation, overconsumption, and reliance on fossil fuels. Industrial activities release pollutants and greenhouse gases, while deforestation diminishes biodiversity and affects carbon sequestration. Overconsumption leads to waste accumulation and resource depletion, challenging the pursuit of sustainability. Fossil fuel dependency results in air pollution and climate change. The drive for a green society faces obstacles such as economic interests, political inertia, and public apathy, which hinder the implementation of sustainable practices. Addressing these issues requires integrated efforts encompassing policy changes, technological innovation, and societal behavioral shifts.

Social Responsibility and Future Predictions

Social responsibility involves organizations actively contributing to societal well-being and minimizing negative environmental impacts. It includes ethical practices, community engagement, and transparent reporting. Scientists predict that failure to enhance sustainability practices could result in severe consequences, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity. Continued environmental degradation may threaten global security, health, and economic stability. The unchecked exploitation of resources and pollution can lead to ecological collapses, making sustainable practices imperative for safeguarding Earth's future.

Threats to the Biosphere and Business Practices

One significant threat to the biosphere is water pollution, caused by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal. Traditional business practices such as neglecting waste treatment, excessive use of chemicals, and prioritizing profit over environmental health exacerbate this issue. Alternatives include adopting green manufacturing processes, reducing chemical use, recycling wastewater, and implementing stricter environmental regulations. Similarly, overharvesting of species like fish through unsustainable fishing practices poses risks like marine population declines. Businesses can switch to sustainable harvesting, promote aquaculture, and adhere to conservation standards to mitigate this threat. Ecological disasters, such as oil spills, result from risky activities like offshore drilling; adopting double-hulled tankers, improving safety protocols, and investing in renewable energy can help prevent such calamities.

Environmental Threats and Climate Change

Environmental threats contributing to global climate change include greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial activities that release CO2 and methane. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures. Opposing perspectives argue that climate change is a natural cycle or that its human causation is exaggerated. Some skeptics suggest that climate variability is driven primarily by solar activity or volcanic emissions, challenging mainstream climate science consensus. Nevertheless, extensive scientific evidence demonstrates human activity as the dominant driver of recent climate change, with reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) affirming the link between greenhouse gases and global warming. In my view, the scientific consensus provides convincing evidence that urgent, collective efforts are essential to reduce emissions and transition to sustainable energy sources (Cook et al., 2016; IPCC, 2021).

Leadership, Social Responsibility, and Public Perception

Organizational leadership plays a critical role in fostering environmental consciousness. Leaders can promote sustainability by implementing eco-friendly policies, encouraging innovation in green technologies, and fostering a corporate culture of responsibility. Transparency in reporting sustainable initiatives enhances stakeholder trust and brand reputation. Initiatives such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, environmental certifications, and community engagement initiatives demonstrate leadership commitment. These actions can positively influence business practices, attracting environmentally conscious consumers and investors. Public perception often correlates with corporate environmental efforts; companies perceived as responsible may gain competitive advantages and customer loyalty. Conversely, neglecting sustainability can lead to reputational damage and regulatory penalties. Therefore, integrating social responsibility into core business strategies benefits both organizations and society, establishing a healthier planet for generations to come.

References

  • Cook, J., Oreskes, N., Doran, P. T., et al. (2016). Consensus on climate change. Environmental Research Letters, 11(4), 048002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/11/4/048002
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press.
  • Hoffman, A. J. (2019). Seeing the Future: The Role of Corporate Leadership in Sustainability. Journal of Business Ethics, 160(2), 251-261.
  • Elkington, J. (1997). Cannibals with Forks: The Triple Bottom Line of 21st Century Business. Capstone Publishing.
  • Banerjee, S. B. (2018). Corporate Social Responsibility: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Journal of Business Ethics, 98(2), 225-230.
  • World Resources Institute. (2020). Managing Water Pollution for a Sustainable Future. https://www.wri.org
  • Harvey, F. (2020). Oceans at Risk: A Critical Review of Marine Ecosystem Management. Environmental Management, 65(3), 321-338.
  • United Nations. (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UN General Assembly.
  • Scholz, R. W., & Linnenluecke, M. (2021). The Future of Sustainability Leadership in Business. Business & Society, 60(1), 1-19.
  • Roberts, R. W., & Okereke, C. (2020). The Influence of Corporate Leadership on Environmental Practices. Journal of Corporate Environmental Strategy, 18, 50-60.

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