We could just as logically define sustainability as a process which can support current and future generations of whales or butterflies, and in essence, still be saying the same thing.

what would a truly sustainable business, or economic system look like?

More than 60% of the worlds largest businesses report on their environmental impact, under the banner of sustainability. Many large companies have developed climate change and environmental policies, which help to shape the way they do business. Incorporating sustainability issues into core business strategy makes a lot of sense and is an important part of corporate governance today. While we might not be able to identify a fully sustainable business, and a lot of these reports did start out as greenwashing, they provide an important mechanism for environmental oversight, from external stakeholders, but also once the data is being recorded, also provides management with ways to improve their business.

If you take a moment to search for any companies sustainability report, youll see that they are likely to have reported on environmental issues (including climate change), as well as social issues. As weve discussed, through a sustainability lens, environmental and social issues go hand in hand. But Id like you to keep a little bit of a critical lens when you read through these reports just because a company has one, it doesnt mean they are necessarily sustainable in a true sense.

- What has been learnt in this topic that was not already known, and how will this knowledge alter your skills, behaviour and/or outlook as a future professional? - What observations and insights (e.g. surprises, challenges, new ways of thinking) have been made from the topic? - How has the topic highlighted and emerged gaps in knowledge and how will these be addressed? - How have your personal values and views been affected as a result of active learning and experiences in this topic? - How has engagement with this topic enabled the development of critical thinking skills and professional identity? - How has the theory underpinning the topic helped in the identification of personal strengths, cultivation of ethical behaviours, and/or development of a global mindset? - What has been learnt in this topic that was not already known, and how will this knowledge alter your skills, behaviour and/or outlook as a future professional? - What observations and insights (e.g. surprises, challenges, new ways of thinking) have been made from the topic? - How has the topic highlighted and emerged gaps in knowledge and how will these be addressed? - How have your personal values and views been affected as a result of active learning and experiences in this topic? - How has engagement with this topic enabled the development of critical thinking skills and professional identity? - How has the theory underpinning the topic helped in the identification of personal strengths, cultivation of ethical behaviours, and/or development of a global mindset