We are most of the way through 2011, over three years since the onset of the global financial crisis. On a bad day the stock markets are in complete turmoil. On a good day, they are simply volatile. Investor confidence is low, unsurprisingly. This is not the best environment within which capitalism, business, or the transition to a green economy can easily flourish. Just look at the spate of solar companies going to the wall in the US in recent weeks. There are fundamental shifts occurring at the macro economic level that will have a massive impact on business in general, as well as those striving to become more sustainable. Adapting to these changes could make the difference between prosperity and survival. Some large, apparently 'bullet-proof names may yet be among the casualties. One cannot assume that just because a business has customers today, that want, and can afford its goods and services, that they will be able to do so in the very near future. Sustainability leaders and boards everywhere need to be alert to the strategic icebergs on the horizon.
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