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In This Issue
Editor's Note
Adapting to Climate Change
Most companies understand the importance of reducing energy use to slow climate change. But mitigation efforts will only take us so far. Some of the “changes” associated with climate change are already locked in: an increasing number and severity of storms, receding rivers, advancing deserts, and more frequently occurring landslides, floods, and sinkholes.
This week, we look at the other key method for addressing climate change: adaptation. After examining more than 500 responses to the Carbon Disclosure Project, BSR identified four steps companies should consider as they develop climate change adaptation strategies, which Climate and Energy Manager Ryan Schuchard outlines in his feature article.
Today, we are also launching the last of our briefs on what specific industries can do to adapt to climate change.
And we were interested to learn that in 2008, the number of “things” (like cows, smart phones, and cardiac monitors) connected to the internet exceeded the number of people on earth. This presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainability.
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In Depth
How Companies Should Adapt to Climate Change
By Ryan Schuchard, Manager, Climate and Energy, BSR
When it comes to climate change, many business managers know the benefits of a robust greenhouse gas reduction program. But mitigation is only part of the solution. A more complete approach requires a plan for adapting to the changing patterns of weather and landscapes that will affect business operations, suppliers, and customers.
Read more →
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Toolbox
Climate Change Adaptation: Building Resiliency
By Tiffany Finley, Manager, Advisory Services, BSR
Today, BSR is releasing the final four industry briefs in its “Climate Change Adaptation” series, which provides insight on climate-related risks and opportunities, actions companies are taking, and recommendations for how companies can lead their industries’ adaptation measures.
In an interview for the series, Daniela Spiessmann of Deutsche Post DHL’s Corporate Public Policy and Responsibility GOGREEN team, said adaptation is important in her industry, “given that 30 to 40 percent of the world’s population lives in low-elevation coastal zones or within 100 kilometers of sea coasts, all of which are vulnerable to the physical impacts of climate change.”
To learn more, read BSR’s new industry-specific briefs:
And take another look at the briefs released earlier this year:
For more information on climate change adaptation, contact Ryan Schuchard or Tiffany Finley.
Quick Hit
The Opportunities and Challenges of ‘Things’ Connected to the Internet
View a larger image here.
Source: “The Internet of Things,” Cisco Blog (July 15, 2011)
The “network of things”—including remote sensors, smart utility meters, vehicles, and appliances—will increasingly rely on wireless communications. The expanding use of this technology creates opportunities to address environmental and social issues: from reducing carbon and use of natural resources, to providing access to financial and health care services for underprivileged populations. Challenges will emerge as well, including what to do with the technology at the end of its useful life.
Join BSR’s ICT Director Vijay Kanal and other expert speakers at the BSR Conference 2011 session “Sustainability, Smart Phones, and the Network of Things,” as we discuss the implications of the exponential growth of our wireless information and communications technology infrastructure.
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