The future of business is green

with priority being placed on the need to strike a balance on people, the planet and profit.
A sustainable economy is one that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.
The colour green has evolved over the years, its more than just the colour of vegetation, or the colour of life, it transcends beyond merely talking of environmental issues.
The colour is now found in business and politics alike, it is the colour of the global economy.
It is the colour of international politics. It’s the future of the present generation and the future of future generations.
It’s the health of our decaying planet, the solution to the human-induced climate change, a wake-up call to our cancerous development over the years.
The global landscape is currently confronted by two major challenges – the dwindling global economy and the decay in the environment as a result of human induced climate change.
The 2006 Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change report suggests that ignoring climate change will cost us as much as US$7,5 trillion by 2050, which is 20 percent of the global economy.
According to the report, taking on climate change now is possible at a cost of 1 percent of global GDP through strong action.
Africans need to be more worried about climate change than anyone else on the planet.
Information available suggests that the effects of climate change are not evenly distributed, with Asia and Africa being the worst affected.
We need policymakers, research experts, academic experts, industrialists and corporates in Africa to work together to fight climate change because according to a briefing by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) climate change poses a major risk to the global economy.
The report also states that increasing frequency of severe climate climatic events, coupled with social trends, has the potential to drive insurers, reinsurers and banks to the point of impaired viability or even insolvency.
Worldwide economic losses due to natural disasters appear to be doubling every 10 years and according to UNEP on current trends, annual loses will reach almost US$150 billion in the next decade.
Whilst we all agree on the need to address energy issues through responsible consumption and exploring alternative and cleaner energy sources, behaviour covers issues to do with how products and or services are delivered or our raw materials are extracted and consumed.
Behaviour also covers issues of production, financing policy formulation and adaptation to new procedures and binding policies.
The clear objective is now to move towards a greener economy with opportunities for all. Is this cheap talk?
No, but real issues affecting real people.
Of importance to Zimbabweans would be the fact that despite being a low emitter of pollutants, global warming has been observed in Zimbabwe.
Projections are that temperatures will rise between 0,5°C and 2°C by 2030, with possible devastating effects to society and the national economy at large.
Green business opportunities strive to preserve environmental quality, improve social equity and stimulate local economies.
The inaugural International Green Business Conference, Expo and Awards that will take place at the HICC from April 12-13 will be a two-day executive gathering aimed at challenging old business models by inspiring unconventional solutions designed to address the triple bottom line.
The conference will provide a platform for all leaders to learn about best practices and emerging trends in the creation of green jobs, strategic marketing and branding for green business.
Other issues to be addressed include new energy technology, green product innovation and new business models, mobility, organics, food systems and sustainable agriculture.
Water, green energy, consumer behaviours, environmental design, green habitats, intelligent buildings and smart cities as well as green money will also be discussed among other green business opportunities that will be explored towards a US$100 billion economy.
Speakers will include policymakers, academic experts and industrialists both local and foreign to be advised later.
The expo will allow local and international exhibitors to showcase what they are doing towards a greener economy.
Researchers and research experts will get an opportunity to showcase finished and semi-finished initiatives dedicated towards the future of our planet.
The 2012 Indaba will be running under the theme “Addressing Behaviour, Energy and Climate Change”.
Climate change is a fact, and so is our energy problem. Jonathan Dimbleby from The Observer rightly pointed out that “it is the greatest challenge facing humanity, to combat both poverty and global warming at once – to deliver fairness and prosperity to the poor without destroying the planet in the process”.
The link between climate change, energy and human behaviour is one that will be explored as follows.
Green Business Indaba is of relevance to every sector, be it economics, civil society or academics.
It is a unique opportunity that should be embraced by all, through various levels of participation and involvement.
Climate change will affect how you live; it will affect your business, your profits or loses. So discover your power to create the future you desire, Get involved.

l Prechard Mhako is the national head of iGreen Africa. Email [email protected] or log on to www.xhib-it.co.zw for inquiries on partnerships, participation, involvement and any submissions into the various available award categories.