ABSTRACT

People facilitate change on the planet in at least four important ways – as consumers, investors, voters, and as global corporate citizens.

Consumers: Demand for sustainable products and services from consumers will drive business to develop and provide them, and will also provide the incentive for innovation required to develop these services. Companies which are not sensitive to the changing needs of their customers in the long run go out of business. Investors: Large and small investors are important drivers of business strategies and innovation. The development of Green Investment Funds is a response to a greater awareness of environmental problems. Some pension funds will not invest in tobacco or arms companies. Voters and lobby groups: Political leaders survive by being sensitive to the views of the electorate and lobby groups in democratic countries. This ‘people power’ can directly influence government policies. Global corporate citizens: The emergence of the global village means that many people see themselves as global corporate citizens. This may be expressed through aid donations to assist those in poverty in developing countries and through voting for parties which have a global, not just a national, agenda.