Economist Sustainability Summit – Chicago – June 5, 2018

Economist Sustainability Summit – Chicago - June 5, 2018

This summit brought together stakeholders spanning the production cycle to discuss the viability of sustainability through a circular economy where all waste is re-used in the industrial process. The overarching idea is to look at maximizing the value of raw materials to derive a cheaper source of inputs on a global basis thereby leading to decreased poverty levels, better use of global resources and improved economies throughout the world.

It is absolute that companies, government and the public at large must broaden their perspective about the sustainability of our earth and the use of our global resources. It is clear that the global population continues to grow at a rate that requires change in the way we function as countries, regions and communities. Currently the world population is 7.3 billion people with an increase to 9.7 billion by 2050.

There is opportunity at all levels of society to make positive change through innovative collaboration using ethical, economic and environmental best practices to protect our global resources and Save Our Seas. The EU has established the 2030 Energy Strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, share renewable energy consumption, produce all plastic from reused products and more. Companies large and small are developing sustainability programs to eliminate waste, reduce use of plastic and water and work with local communities to build public awareness about protecting the environment as a whole.

The supply chain is being turned upside down by many businesses to assess the functionality and efficiency of production, use of resources and the outcomes. Companies are finding they must be proactive in this process to effect change. The process by which plastics, water and fuel are used are all being disrupted by global strategies and regulations which bring about the need for compliance by companies and governments. Collaboration is the basis to move forward.

This includes using science based measurements and targets that show progress each year. There are companies that are thought leaders in this area. Thought leaders in many different industries are being proactive by collaborating with:

* local governments- to improve the way of life and employment in communities,

* universities- to promote science based research and innovative thinking

* green finance opportunities- to engage forward thinking and increase their technological prowess and transparency

* the public through consumer awareness programs- to educate and activate on a daily basis

The motivation is high to move our global society toward being transparent and using best practices. The current supply chain is being disrupted and social media allows for quick access to many topics. The possibilities are endless for companies, governments and individuals to use a holistic approach to social responsibility and protecting our global resources.