The growing threat of global warming

Global warming is a looming threat that humans will have to deal with for generations to come. Studies from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change suggest the risk of catastrophic climate change is getting worse as a result of higher temperatures worldwide. Threats, such as the destruction of coral reefs by events like hurricanes, have become even more likely over the years.

Already, the average temperature of the planet has grown by 1.8 degrees in recent years and the ramifications are extremely evident. Most recently, businesses have suffered losses due to Hurricane Isaac and the wildfires in Colorado. The Carbon Disclosure Project, an organization that studies the effects of extreme weather events, notes that this year alone, the U.S. is on track to be hit by 14 natural disasters projected to cause more than $1 billion worth of damage.

Looking internationally, there are even more examples of catastrophic weather events. Last year, businesses throughout the world were devastated by the Japanese earthquake and ensuing tsunami. Rampant flooding in Thailand ruined millions of dollars' worth of inventory for major companies. Businesses such as Intel and Ford are still struggling to overcome these disasters.

Global warming isn't just an issue that affects people, it has a real financial impact for companies as well.

Doing your part by going Lean

Many businesses are hoping to do their part in saving the environment by reducing their ecological footprints when and where they can. The motive is three-pronged – going green can help save the environment, enable them to avoid fees from regulators and improve their reputations with customers.

So what options do businesses have for going green? Many companies worldwide have attacked this issue by adopting Lean practices. Lean is all about the reduction of waste, whether processes have too many steps or create excessive pollution. Taking action to expedite the transportation of products, for example, may result in less fuel used and smog generated.

Not only does this reduce a company's environmental impact, but it also reinforces continuous improvement, helping to cultivate efficiency. Lean and green often go hand in hand, which is precisely why many businesses take this route.