Climate Change Adds to Supply Chain Complexity
Operational concerns notwithstanding, both brands and their suppliers face increasing pressure to provide sustainable services and products across their value chains.
BSR (Business for Social Responsibility) is based in San Francisco—one of many port cities vulnerable to high seas and violent storms that may or may not be attributed to climate change. At this year’s annual conference, the need for supply chain resilience was addressed with passion by believers and skeptics alike.
A recent BSR report set the stage for these discussions, and deserves the attention of global supply chain managers and those who rely on their forecasts. Business in a Climate-Constrained World contains vital information on “catalyzing a climate-resilient future through the power of the private sector.” It also represents sound and measured reasoning.
Supply Chain Disruption
Beyond dispute is the fact that dramatic changes in climate pose severe challenges for modes in every transport sector. Analysts note that extreme heat, for example, will soften paved roads, requiring resurfacing with more durable materials. Frequent flooding will require diligent maintenance and investments in a higher, more expensive drainage standard. Bridges will be exposed to surges in water levels, requiring upgraded design specifications in new construction and retrofitting. Estimates range from $140 to $250 billion to adapt existing bridge infrastructure in the United States over the next 50 years.
This complete article is available to subscribers
only. Click on Log In Now at the top of this article for full access. Or, Start your PLUS+ subscription for instant access. |
Latest News
Are Your Data Visualizations Readable by Everyone? Supply Chains Facing New Pressures as Companies Seek Cost Savings February retail sales see annual and sequential gains, reports Commerce and NRF A Hoarding Explanation for the Post-COVID Inflation for Goods Digital Approaches, End-to-End Thinking Help Supply Chains Evolve More NewsLatest Resource
Vendor Evaluation Questionnaire for RFPs Don't miss out on the perfect Yard and Dock management software for your warehouse operations. Save time and stress with this handy Toolkit.All Resources
Download Article PDF |
BSR (Business for Social Responsibility) is based in San Francisco—one of many port cities vulnerable to high seas and violent storms that may or may not be attributed to climate change. At this year’s annual conference, the need for supply chain resilience was addressed with passion by believers and skeptics alike.
A recent BSR report set the stage for these discussions, and deserves the attention of global supply chain managers and those who rely on their forecasts. Business in a Climate-Constrained World contains vital information on “catalyzing a climate-resilient future through the power of the private sector.” It also represents sound and measured reasoning.
Supply Chain Disruption
Beyond dispute is the fact that dramatic changes in climate pose severe challenges for modes in every transport sector. Analysts note that extreme heat, for example, will soften paved roads, requiring resurfacing with more durable materials. Frequent flooding will require diligent maintenance and investments in a higher, more expensive drainage standard. Bridges will be exposed to surges in water levels, requiring upgraded design specifications in new construction and retrofitting. Estimates range from $140 to $250 billion to adapt existing bridge infrastructure in the United States over the next 50 years.
SUBSCRIBERS: Click here to download PDF of the full article. |
About the Author
Patrick Burnson, Executive Editor Mr. Burnson is a widely-published writer and editor specializing in international trade, global logistics, and supply chain management. He is based in San Francisco, where he provides a Pacific Rim perspective on industry trends and forecasts. He may be reached at his downtown office: [email protected].Subscribe to Supply Chain Management Review Magazine!
Subscribe today. Don't Miss Out!Get in-depth coverage from industry experts with proven techniques for cutting supply chain costs and case studies in supply chain best practices.
Start Your Subscription Today!
Article Topics
It’s high time to go beyond visibility Driving supply chain flexibility in an uncertain and volatile world View More From this Issue