Most South African businesses are behind the curve with regard to climate change awareness and strategic planning. 

Emily Tyler

In most major companies, environmental issues are the realm of a relatively small division called ‘Health, Safety and the Environment’ or in more progressive organizations, a ‘Sustainability’ or ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ unit. These are most often populated by individuals well versed in environmental and social discourse, but less able to communicate their case to those with real decision making clout, primarily found in finance and corporate strategy. Certain companies, however, are starting to realize that this is a short-sighted, and in the medium term disastrous approach. Their numbers are swelling rapidly internationally, and South African business runs the risk of being left behind.