BSR Insight Articles About Climate Change

Business: Blue and Green

By Michael Sutton, Vice President, Center for the Future of the Oceans, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Tomorrow, the Economist’s World Ocean Summit in Singapore will highlight for an audience of global business leaders the latest concerns about threats to our oceans, and how business activities are impacting this ecosystem. While all of us can play a role in caring for our ocean resources, perhaps the only force powerful enough to reverse the decline of our global environment is commerce itself. Read more →

Posted: February 21, 2012 | Topics: Climate Change, Ecosystem Services, Environment, Food, Beverage & Agriculture, Travel & Tourism, Water

Business’ Role in Ocean ‘Custodianship’

BSR President and CEO Aron Cramer will lead a discussion on how companies can be “custodians” of the oceans at the Economist’s World Oceans Summit in Singapore later this week. Read more →

Posted: February 21, 2012 | Topics: Climate Change, Ecosystem Services, Environment, Water

When Policy Fails on Climate, What Can Business Do? BSR’s 2012 Climate Initiatives

Ryan Schuchard, Manager, Climate and Energy

As 2011 draws to a close, we have registered a record year for weather disasters following the largest-ever jump in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the carbon intensity of the world’s fastest-growing economies is only rising. Following the inconclusive end of the UN climate talks in Durban, there is also little reason left to believe that our outmoded international treaty system is going to lead the world away from the ever-worsening state of climate change. Read more →

Posted: December 20, 2011 | Topics: Climate Change, Environment, Strategy & Integration

Black Carbon Provides Climate Change Mitigation Opportunities

Raj Sapru, Former Director, Advisory Services

Black carbon—which includes particles emitted from cars, trucks, stoves, industrial facilities, and some forest fires—is the second-largest contributor to climate change after carbon-dioxide emissions. This happens because when black carbon is suspended in the air, particles absorb sunlight and warm the atmosphere. Also, when black carbon is deposited on ice and snow, it decreases reflectivity and accelerates melting. In addition to accelerating global warming, black carbon has significant impacts on human health and crop yields. Read more →

Posted: December 20, 2011 | Topics: Climate Change, Environment, Strategy & Integration

COP17 Results and Related Resources

Ryan Schuchard, Manager, Climate and Energy

Over the weekend, negotiators attending the UN Climate talks in Durban, South Africa, agreed on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action, which, for the first time, brings developed and developing countries together under the same framework to reduce emissions. More specifically, the agreement outlines a new commitment period to start by 2020, extends the Kyoto Protocol for a limited time to keep climate commitments by the EU and other developed countries active, and directs the Green Climate Fund to disburse US$100 billion per year to help developing countries adapt to climate change and promote clean energy. Read more →

Posted: December 13, 2011 | Topics: Climate Change