Sustainable Business Conference

Yesterday, there was a conference on Sustainable Business hosted by Joan Martínez Alier and Marcel Llavero Pasquina from the Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB). Our professors Wafa Khlif and Joanna Pousset introduced our guests to the conversation, because the conference wasn’t a monologue by the guests; it was an interactive session with a Q&A round. This is a crucial approach for internalizing the concepts presented and ensuring they are not forgotten. Even though the meeting focused on a specific case, the methods used to analyze and explore it apply to many other situations in future business.

Environmental problems at companies

As mentioned, the conference was led by economist Joan Martínez, who discussed a growing approach to a sustainable society, environmental problems, and injustices. Marcel Llavero, an environmental and technology expert, also participated. He is an expert in molecular biology and has conducted research in England.

Both introduced the case of Total and the Zijin Metal Mining Company, a conflict stemming from the leak of toxic waste in Fujian, China. This conflict presents several different aspects, including:

• Mineral ores and building materials extraction
• Toxic waste treatment and uncontrolled dumpsites
• Water treatment and access to sanitation
• Mineral processing
• Tailing from mines
• Metal refineries

There are huge impacts on the environment and the economy in the area. It’s not only the general pollution in water, air, or food, but these also cause deforestation, reducing the ecosystem and leading to biodiversity loss. And, of course, all of this has a high impact on health, such as accidents or unknown risks from being exposed to pollution. Last but not least, the impact on fishermen or residents, who have to buy purified water or obtain it from distant areas, affects their wallets.

Connecting business with sustainability is the key factor

Committing to the environment and creating businesses that don’t harm it from the beginning is crucial. Paying attention to these factors helps prevent extreme situations, such as the one described, where toxic waste will remain even if the problem can be solved because, unfortunately, these residues have a long lifespan. This is why implementing regulations and effective methods from the start benefits both the environment and businesses in the long run.

As a result, more people are becoming aware of and incorporating sustainability into their projects and academic work. For example, over time, more schools are integrating environmental responsibility into their programs or even offering courses emphasizing sustainability. In Europe, stricter regulations and laws are being introduced, so future professionals will not only need to understand the impact and effects of their actions but also be well-knowed in the new regulations.