A Few Positive Effects of Climate Change on Business

The majority of what you hear and see regarding global climate change and global warming focuses on the negative aspects and how we need to slow the effects. Through my research I have also come across a few positive effects on how these changes can impact business.

The warming of the earth would eventually cause the ice in the Arctic region to melt. This, in turn, would create a new opportunity for for trade routes in the area. Currently, this part of the world can only be used to transport during the summer months, but if the ice were to melt it would be available throughout the year.

One definite positive effect of climate change is the increase of businesses using new, cleaner sources of energy. Three major companies, specifically General Electric, Du Pont and Bank of America have all put plans in place in an effort to "go green" and reduce emissions within their organizations. It is good to see that although there are many negative aspects to global climate change, there is the opportunity to raise an awareness for companies to make a difference.

More and more companies are making an effort to promote themselves as being environmentally friendly in an effort to maintain a competitive edge. New products have been introduced and are being marketed more than ever. These include more complex inventions such as hybrid automobiles to the simplest of products to include cellular phones made from recycled materials or even the reusable grocery store bags that have become ever popular. When you think about it, all of these products resulted from the increased risks of global climate change and had it not been for this these inventions may have never come to be. In addition, the money that consumers are spending on these products creates profits for these companies which keeps the business world booming and competitive. It seems as though earth friendly products have become the latest trend to hit the market.

Although the risks still far outweigh the benefits when it comes to global warming, there has been some good that has resulted.

References:
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/offbeat-news/the-top-5-positive-effects-of-global-warming/728
http://solutions.marsh.com/climate/documents/climateChange200604.pdf
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,477457,00.html