ABSTRACT
It is an irony that on a planet whose surface area is 73% water, we face a significant threat to water security. Water is essential for all life, and central to many important business sectors including the food and beverage industry, which accounts for over 70% of global water consumption. We examine the significance of water security, both in terms of space and time, exploring the impacts of industrial processes both directly (for example through over-use, pollution or salinization) and indirectly (for example through climate destabilization, deforestation or drainage). The concept of a water footprint is discussed, along with the challenges and opportunities of water import and export. Virtual water flow and trade are explored. Energy is central to all of our activities, in terms of food, power, temperature and pollution. We examine the flow of energy on our planet, before examining the relationship between economic growth and energy. The economics of energy will be analysed with reference to capital market implications, and carbon trading initiatives will be examined to develop an understanding of policy in this area. Finally we discuss issues arising from attempts at legislating for sustainable practice, including the green paradox, carbon leakage, the rebound effect and the porter hypothesis. A bridge case focuses on Caterpillar. The Environmental Kuznets Curve is highlighted in the Discourse section.
