We are all responsible for our planet

In an invited commentary, SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer opined that citizens and businesses should be proactive and take up responsibility for the fight against climate change and not just rely on the government. The overwhelming nature of the challenge warrants that governments, citizens as well as businesses work together to achieve sustainability and ensure long-term viability of our planet for the coming generations. Companies will need to act together and engage in pre-competitive collaboration as well as undertake effective dialogue with stakeholders in order to achieve this aim. The nature of their businesses means that they have better insights into supply chains and are therefore well placed to take action to reduce unwanted externalities. At the same time, companies will need to create a circular economy model where materials are re-used as much as possible.