ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that shifts in the environmental and social landscape due to meta-trends such as climate change and decreased access to freshwater will have consequences for business. Public forums, non-governmental organisation (NGO) partnerships, community newsletters and the nurturing of media relationships can provide significant support to companies who wish to establish and enhance a broad dialogue with multiple stakeholder profiles. Business and industry awareness of emerging global meta-trends is key to creating a stakeholder engagement strategy to effectively manage risks and maximise opportunities in a changing world. As with climate change, water-stressed conditions can represent productivity losses and increased costs of doing business, as well as entirely new market opportunities. Sustainability consultants will play a vital role in helping companies identify these broader stakeholder groups and develop tools for companies to engage those stakeholders that materially impact their ability to operate and grow their business.
