How Global Warming Developments Affect Business

The debate over “global warming” or “climate change” from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is not new. Over the last decade, numerous scientific studies have analyzed increasing temperatures in the Earth’s atmosphere and whether there is any correlation with human activities, primarily industrialization. These studies have changed the nature of the discussion about global warming from unproven trends, dismissed by some as the invention of environmental alarmists, to recognition of a real dilemma of global magnitude. In response to these studies, policymakers worldwide are proposing laws and regulations to mitigate GHG emissions. Others are already litigating over GHG issues. This Management Alert broadly summarizes some of the more significant GHG trends and developments of which corporate decision-makers should be aware. The following developments could result in increased operating costs or business opportunities.