Shared Value for the Earth

As the world faces the immanent dangers of climate change, Mark Kramer’s article on creating shared value is something that everyone should read and take to heart. The vast majority of the scientific community agrees that climate change is real, happening rite now, and is being cause primarily by human beings. And yet, the United States has politicians who swear by some false evidence that climate change is a hoax to propagate a leftist agenda. And these people hold some of the highest offices in the US; some of them are even running for president. At a time like this, Kramer’s idea of pushing for corporate focus on shared value rather than economic prosperity is more important than ever. It should be take into account for every decision we make, no matter how small. However, society must also understand that what is financially profitable and what is profitable for society as a whole may sometimes conflict. And in the presence of this conflict, it is important that everyone, policy makers, managers, executives, and even citizens, understand that the basic needs of society should outweigh the wants, desires, and preferences of society.

            At the heart of Kramer’s argument he believes that shifting a companies focus from economic prosperity to shared value will result in social benefit coinciding with economic development and growth. Although this may be true for some scenarios, there will be times where we as a society have to make difficult decisions and choose between furthering economic growth and development, and focusing on basic societal needs. And in the ever-growing shadow of problems like climate change, it is important that people realize there will be scenarios where there are no short-term profitable solutions to societal problems. Eventually, as society becomes healthier, as the planet becomes healthier, and as we find a symbiotic balance with the environment, the investments in societal problems will pay off. They will give way to huge financial opportunities and developments that will help build a healthy and sustainable future for everyone. But it will take time. And we will have to temporarily part ways with things we take for granted. We will have to make difficult decisions between things we want rite now, like new technology and faster transportation, and things we need in the future, like clean water and clean air. If we want to build a better future for generations, we have to come to terms with the fact that at some point, profit, economic development, and financial growth with have the come second to the basic needs of society. And more importantly, we need to successfully convey this idea to the people that are in positions to make real immediate change.