WEEK-7 Learning Objectives • Identify the major sources of carbon emissions in Australia • Describe a systematic approach to reducing an organisation’s carbon footprint • Evaluate the sustainability of climate management options. • Consider different conceptual approaches to addressing global environmental issues • Discuss the implications of climate change for business and outline energy alternatives • Explain biodiversity and how it is correlated with climate change. Essential reading • Moscardo et al (2013), Chapters 6 & 13 • ‘Corporate sustainability: the big picture’, available at: This reading can be accessed via this link. Recommended reading • ‘Number of 'climate leaders' doubles in new CDP report,’. This reading can be accessed via this link. • Fire Ants, Kinkajous and Pipelines: How Business Can Partner for Biodiversity. This reading can be accessed via this link. REFLECT Reflecting on the content of chapters 6 and 13 respectively, consider the Spotlight question on page 384 of the text. In particular, consider your response to the question posed, namely why emissions trading schemes typically lead to cheaper reductions per tonne of CO2 than other approaches, such as feed-in tariffs for renewable energy? Now consider the route of ‘direct action’ that we are pursuing in Australia and consider the advantages and disadvantages of this approach when compared to emissions trading. Case Study Go to page 183 of the textbook and read the case study on Yalumba Winery. Then answer the three questions following the case namely: 1. Explain how Yalumba has used the sustainability objective to achieve strategic competitive advantage. 2. What is the major contribution to Yalumba's carbon footprint? 3. How is life cycle assessment relevant to Yalumba, and what environmental impacts does it expose? You may find the following resource useful; • Carbon Neutrality - the new black at http://www.winebiz.com.au/features/?VIEW=96 Weekly Forum Discussion Go to http://apps.epa.vic.gov.au/AGC/animations.html#anim-greenhouse and watch the four short animations on greenhouse, the carbon cycle, ozone layer and carbon footprint Now go to the Australian Greenhouse Calculator (AGC) at http://apps.epa.vic.gov.au/AGC/home.html and click on ‘begin’.The AGC helps you explore how your lifestyle contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. We all enjoy the benefits of modern technology such as heating and lighting, but we can do things to reduce our production of greenhouse gases and help combat climate change. Use the AGC to explore how to live more sustainably. By changing your behaviour and selecting energy-efficient options, you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in ways that do not compromise comfort and quality of life. Work through the calculator until you have completed all screens and generated the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by your household. Choose whether you want the quick or detailed approach. Once complete, compare your households carbon emissions to that of an average Australian household. Identify the major factors that contribute to your environmental impacts. Reflect on your findings and in no more than 250 words, post IN YOUR LERNING JOURNAL on how you might reduce your overall emissions. Summary Chapter 6 provides an overview of sources of carbon emissions and how business can measure and manage them. The chapter also identifies options for reducing climate change. Chapter 13 looks at broader environmental issues and how the Brundtland Report demonstrated that social and environmental protection were intrinsically linked. The issue of business and climate change was addressed and the need was identified for businesses to shift away from fossil fuels to a greater use of renewable energy is essential for lowering carbon emissions and addressing climate change. Finally the importance of protecting the planet’s biodiversity was highlighted. Biodiversity is under threat through a range of human activities and with it so are the ecosystem services that biodiversity provides. These changes to the environment are creating further pressures around the world in both access to safe, fresh water and sufficient food for a growing global population. Businesses around the world (including Australia and New Zealand) have a role to play in establishing innovative ways in which to meet the challenges of the threat to biodiversity.