In This Issue
Editor's Note
Conflict-Free. Not Congo-Free.
Growing regulatory, stakeholder, and media pressure around conflict minerals is pushing companies to sever the link in their supply chain to regions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But doing so means cutting off the livelihood of nearly a million people in the region who depend on the minerals trade. This week’s video feature outlines the steps companies—and individuals throughout an organization—can take to create a conflict-free supply chain.
Also this week, BSR Research Manager Linda Hwang reports from the CEO Water Mandate meeting in Copenhagen, where one attendee emphasized the importance of linking physical-, regulatory-, and reputational-risk frameworks to people’s ability to participate in the growth of healthy economies.
We also feature the two latest briefs in our "Climate Change Adaption" series, on risks and opportunities for the consumer products and ICT industries.
More videos this year: We plan to offer more video content on a range of topics, and we encourage you to pass these videos on to colleagues and peers.
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In Depth
Creating a Supply Chain Strategy for Conflict Minerals
By Marshall Chase, Associate Director, Advisory Services, BSR
In this video, learn about the steps company leaders should take—from visioning and internal alignment through supply chain mapping and external engagement—to address conflict minerals in their supply chains.
Read more →
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On the Record
The Human Face of Water-Related Risk Assessments
By
At the CEO Water Mandate meeting in Copenhagen last week—which focused on corporate water disclosure—one participant reminded us of the connections between water, healthy populations, and corporate performance. Despite the growing number of tools to help investors and companies assess water-related risks, companies will miss a critical factor when evaluating their long-term risks if the tools do not link physical-, regulatory-, and reputational-risk frameworks to people’s ability to participate in the growth of healthy economies.
During a discussion on watershed management, disclosure activities, and strategic management responses to water-related risks, one attendee observed that the risk posed to companies when local communities lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation was missing from the conversation:
“We’re concerned about the economic vitality of the world’s people. Water risks posed by the world today impact this economic vitality, and this discussion isn’t taking place today.”
—CEO Water Mandate corporate attendee (May 16, 2011)
Toolbox
Climate Change Adaptation for the ICT and Consumer Products Sectors
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For the consumer products and ICT sectors, climate change has the potential to disrupt supply chains, damage critical assets and infrastructure, and create new customer needs. The latest reports in BSR’s "Climate Change Adaptation" series—which provides insight on climate-related risks and opportunities for a variety of industries—include practical examples of actions companies are already taking, as well as recommendations on how company leaders can improve their business’ resiliency.
The reports recommend that companies:
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Innovate for emerging climate change needs: Consumers and businesses alike will look for products and services that help them adapt to increasing natural resource constraints and extreme weather events.
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Collaborate with other industries and business partners to increase the impact of your own operations.
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Help suppliers improve resource management and disaster preparedness to increase the resiliency of their supply chains.
Additional industry briefs will be published later this year. For questions, contact Ryan Schuchard.
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