CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT:
Your Move Adebayo Adeleke
November 2021
The death knell sounded by climate change advocates
has
undoubtedly
not
been
drowned by the harsh realities different nations worldwide are facing due to the aftermath of the pandemic. Various comments during the COP26 remind the world that there are continued efforts to push for sustainable environmental practices. Similar to the unprecedented and unexpected nature of the pandemic, climate change can cause major disruptions in the supply chain. A direct disruption would be as a result of government policies and the targets of various international organizations. While the world is recovering from the pandemic, what may be the consequences on climate unsustainability. Various studies and reports suggest that the pandemic, the lockdown, and the reduced operations of factories resulted in marked improvement in climate conditions. COVID-19 has an impact on millions of people's lives as well as the environment. CO2 emissions and human movement have decreased and have led to improving air quality. Air pollution is reduced in nations severely hit by the virus, such as China, Italy, and Spain, when industry, airplanes, and other modes of transportation cease to operate. Reduced commuting as a result of work-from-home rules has also helped to reduce carbon emissions.
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This presents an interesting discussion. Although the world associates the pandemic with worsening economic conditions, the climate may have benefited from reduced human interaction. But, in the long run, is this beneficial impact sustainable? Put simply, the need to reach economic resurgence for most nations around the world would involve actions that may be against sustainable
environmental practices. China pre-
as a supply chain leader? Everything!
sents a good example. Although con-
The pandemic has presented lessons
tinued reliance on Coal remains a
and chances for environmental action
contentious issue in climate change
in the long run. For example, we have
conversations, it is almost impossible
a new benchmark for what can be
for China to support or commit to a
accomplished digitally: distance em-
reduction in coal use due to the cur-
ployment, schooling, shopping, and
rent energy crisis the nation faces. It
so on. Change may lead to the estab-
is therefore unsurprising that China's
lishment of long-term, sustainable
carbon-cutting commitments have
behaviors. Because humans would
fallen far below expectation, and Chi-
have experienced scarcity due to the
na pushed for the use of and eventual
pandemic, certain practices that are
adoption of "phase down" rather than
unintentionally helpful to the ecosys-
"phase out" coal use.
tem may survive. Reduced travel, personal consumption, and food waste,
It is tempting to believe that the world
for example. This means that you
would reject sustainable practices
should be committed to phasing out
due to the economic setback of the
the unsustainable and harmful prac-
pandemic or possible impending re-
tices within your supply chain. You
cession. Whether opinionated indi-
would do best to adopt sustainable
viduals doubt the claims of climate
practices, including the United Na-
change experts and researchers, the
tions Global Compact principles, and
world is spiritedly moving towards
introduce them to your entire business
sustainability. What does this mean
model. The danger of COVID-19, as UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, is only transitory; but, the threat of droughts, floods, and catastrophic storms connected to climate change will last for years and will need continual action.
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About Adebayo Adebayo Adeleke is a dynamic leader with global insights on a broad array of issues. His profound knowledge and expertise in the fields of Risk Management and Security, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, Leadership and Geopolitics, Diversity and Inclusion makes him a positive influencer and generator of high value authentic ideas and novel scenarios that births winning experiences for individuals, organizations and governments. Being a seasoned, combat veteran of the United States Army with 20 years of service in the bag, he is passionate about seeing a human world that works with visionary leaders, proactive doers, critical thinkers, knowledge builders and significant contributors to socioeconomic and political challenges. Adebayo, with his exceptional ability to connect and create belief in people everywhere, has made usable and transferable impact in the fields—mediation interventions, complex conflict resolution situations, boardrooms, training rooms, tertiary classrooms, conferences and advanced knowledge sharing platforms both in austere and friendly regions across diverse cultures all over the world. He has indeed achieved global successes in teaching and delivering customized solutions to his clients.
110 W Randol Mill Rd Suite 240, Arlington, TX 76011 +1 (817) 901-1975, +1(214) 680-5766 me@adebayoadeleke.com @temibayo1 Adebayo Adeleke Adebayo Temitope Adeleke @temibayo www.adebayoadeleke.com
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