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  • January 2020
  • Background Note
  • HBS Case Collection

Climate Change in 2020: Implications for Business

By: Rebecca M. Henderson, Sophus A. Reinert and Mariana Oseguera
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:27
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Abstract

This note provides general information about climate change and its implications for business. Included is an overview of climate change science and a number of its impacts, including rising sea levels, changing weather patterns and extreme weather, pressure on water and food, political and security risks, human health risks, and impact on wildlife and ecosystems. Next, responses to climate change are outlined, including improvements in energy efficiency, moving away from fossil fuels, changes in land use and agriculture practices, and geoengineering. The note concludes with the debate over how much should be spent to mitigate and adapt to climate change, who should pay, and the implications for the private sector.

Keywords

Climate Change; Environmental Accounting; Agribusiness; Economic Growth; Energy Conservation; Energy Generation; Renewable Energy; Energy Sources; Non-Renewable Energy; Globalized Markets and Industries; National Security; Government Legislation; Operations; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Problems and Challenges; Risk and Uncertainty; Natural Disasters; Natural Environment; Environmental Sustainability; Pollutants; Science-Based Business; Weather; Society; Technology

Citation

Henderson, Rebecca M., Sophus A. Reinert, and Mariana Oseguera. "Climate Change in 2020: Implications for Business." Harvard Business School Background Note 320-087, January 2020. (Click here for a complimentary copy on the Business & Environment Initiative’s site.)
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About The Authors

Rebecca M. Henderson

General Management
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Sophus A. Reinert

Business, Government and the International Economy
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    Regimes of Political Economy

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    The Dutch East India Company (VOC)

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More from the Authors
  • Korea: The Miracle on the Han River By: Forest Reinhardt, Sophus A. Reinert, Dawn Lau and Jonathan Schlefer
  • Regimes of Political Economy By: Rawi Abdelal and Sophus A. Reinert
  • The Dutch East India Company (VOC) By: Sophus A. Reinert, Paul M. Healy and Robert Fredona
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