The scientific community affirms that extreme weather is having an impact on business and has cost us billions of dollars in turn, according to a TED Talk led by Andrew Winston, a global expert on business strategies. Winston visited Western to discuss that very impact and what students can do to combat it as they enter into the business world. Western’s Wilder Professorship of Business and the Environment, the College of Business and Economics and Huxley College of the Environment sponsored Winston’s presentation, which was held in Fraser Hall on Friday, Jan 29. Winston authored the book, “Green to Gold.” It was the top-selling environmental business title of the past decade, according to his website. It has sold over 100,000 copies, and was labeled by “Inc. Magazine” as one of the top 30 books every manager should own, according to his website. Winston’s lecture outlined shifts in business on a large scale, and talked about the impact big businesses can have on the environment and the world. Ryan Gluckman said he found out about the event through an email sent about a speaker series. “Business is playing a really important role in taking on some of the major issues of our time, like resource scarcity, pollution and global wealth and equality,” Gluckman said. “Where governments are failing to intervene and step in, businesses are really paving the way for creating some major change.” Sandra Mottner, Associate Dean of the College of Business and Economics, played a role in bringing Winston to campus, but said Howard Sharfstein was instrumental because of his connections with Winston through Kimberly-Clark. Mottner said students should speak up and support companies which mirror their values. “We really believe that sustainability and business work together,” Mottner said. “We want students to think about this.” There is a need for for businesses to think about the future of the children, but they also should be thinking about the best interest of the world, junior Mikhail Jackson said. “[Children] are our future,” Jackson said. “They are consumers for the future.” Gluckman said there are a few things not only students, but anyone can do to help. Learning more is key. “Keep a mindful awareness of your impact day to day, your choices you make and what you consume,” Gluckman said. “Even larger than that, just choosing what companies you want to be loyal to and support, and being involved in the political process is important.”
