The CSR Newsletters are a freely-available resource generated as a dynamic complement to the textbook, Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility: Sustainable Value Creation.

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Monday, March 30, 2015

Strategic CSR - False positives

This week's Newsletters will focus on some of the issues I have seen raised recently regarding climate change.
 
It is often challenging to distill the complex debate around the scientific evidence demonstrating human-induced climate change in a way that is convincing to those who are skeptical. This is particularly so given that many of you (like me) will be convinced that it is so obviously something to which we need to respond (and respond quickly). There are moments in time, however, when a ray of sunshine bursts through the darkness. During my holiday reading, I saw this quote from Arnold Schwarzenegger, which I think conveys, in his usual blunt manner, all that needs to be conveyed:
 
"If 98 doctors say my son is ill and needs medication and two say 'No, he doesn't, he is fine,' I will go with the 98. It's common sense–the same with climate change. We go with the majority, the large majority."
 
A similar message lies behind this YouTube video, ambitiously titled "The Most Terrifying Video You'll Ever See": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zORv8wwiadQ
 
The message in both cases is clear – rather than argue endlessly about minor details of scientific protocol, let's act. In seeking to protect the planet, the risks associated with a false positive (acting when the danger is less than expected) are far outweighed by those associated with a false negative (not acting when extinction is within the realm of possibilities).
 
Take care
David
 
David Chandler & Bill Werther
 
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