Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development in Global Businesses

Abstract

Sustainability has become the most corporate concern globally. For an environmental, social and financial gains, focus on long-term return on investment is inevitable. Sustainability is achieved through protection or conservation of environment. To maintain diversity and integrity of the ecosystems, sustainability or sustainable development is of essence. Natural resources such as air, water, soil, and plants, are taken care for continuity of human life and the planet. Other resources such as oil, coal, natural gas, metals, stone and sand or sunlight are modified for commercial and industrial use. All these resources are fundament to business operation and growth. Sustainable development practice is human rights, the concept focusses on “meeting the desired present needs without compromising the future generation efforts to meet their essentials”. The players direct their attention on maintaining a society harmony between access to human needs and protection of the planet which is the platform for business operation. In this study environment conservation and sustainable development are integrated and presented as interdependent and complementary concepts that add to notable values both to human life, business man and to the earth’s natural systems. The study brings out the image on how conservation provides the basis for sustainable development, guaranteeing availability of life to natural resources and the ecosystem. The image refutes the vicious circle that causes pressure to human and planet triggered by climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality and contaminated water. The study caution organization to employ digital technology to reduce carbon footprint and ensure sustainability. This is a secondary data research which was carried out in the library. Data collection method involved studying and analyzing information from books, international published journal papers, theories and published legal documents. The analysis of the study may benefit policymakers responsible of environmental conservation, hence increase more efforts for environmental conservation and sustainable development. The study may create awareness to public and encourage them to take responsibility on environmental conservation and sustainable development practices. The study may also motivate governance structures to see the need for putting more resources on the enforcement of environmental laws.