Posted on : February 17, 2009
Author : Azim Premji
Climate Change and Ecological degradation are problems that humanity has to solve together. I think this will be one of the defining issues for the next few generations.
Human population is expected to grow from the current 6.7 Billion to between 9-10 Billion by 2050. Through this period, humanity has to make sure that poverty is wiped out and everyone on this planet has access to equal opportunities and enabling social services. This should be an absolute imperative.
Without doubt, this growth in population will put even more intense pressure and stress on already stressed ecological systems. This is a daunting challenge. Perhaps a bigger challenge than anything that we have seen in human history.
But I think the one thing that is bigger than the challenge is human ingenuity and creativity. We have to harness this ingenuity with wisdom to tackle this challenge.
We shouldn't start believing that this harnessing of ingenuity can happen only through business, to tackle this stupendous challenge. It will require more than that. It will require concerted global regulatory effort. It will require deep political and social changes.
But at the same time I believe that business indeed has a big role to play in this harnessing of ingenuity. I see these opportunities myself in Wipro's businesses. For example:
1. How IT can dramatically change asset efficiencies, reducing their carbon foot print.
2. How simple and thoughtful lighting solutions combined with on-site renewable energy solutions can change energy consumption patterns.
3. How good design of buildings can improve water intensity, biodiversity and energy intensity.
Business will indeed play a crucial role, along with civil society, governments and academia to come up with fundamental solutions.
I think humanity will find its way back to a sustainable path of growth and development. My optimism is redoubled, when I talk to young people and see their commitment and sensitivity to this issue. That is where the sparks of human ingenuity lie - amongst the young people - more than anywhere else.
I am sure we will tackle this challenge, however daunting it may be, as we take it head on, focusing on solutions rather than just the fear of it. I am an optimist in this, as in everything else.
Human population is expected to grow from the current 6.7 Billion to between 9-10 Billion by 2050. Through this period, humanity has to make sure that poverty is wiped out and everyone on this planet has access to equal opportunities and enabling social services. This should be an absolute imperative.
Without doubt, this growth in population will put even more intense pressure and stress on already stressed ecological systems. This is a daunting challenge. Perhaps a bigger challenge than anything that we have seen in human history.
But I think the one thing that is bigger than the challenge is human ingenuity and creativity. We have to harness this ingenuity with wisdom to tackle this challenge.
We shouldn't start believing that this harnessing of ingenuity can happen only through business, to tackle this stupendous challenge. It will require more than that. It will require concerted global regulatory effort. It will require deep political and social changes.
But at the same time I believe that business indeed has a big role to play in this harnessing of ingenuity. I see these opportunities myself in Wipro's businesses. For example:
1. How IT can dramatically change asset efficiencies, reducing their carbon foot print.
2. How simple and thoughtful lighting solutions combined with on-site renewable energy solutions can change energy consumption patterns.
3. How good design of buildings can improve water intensity, biodiversity and energy intensity.
Business will indeed play a crucial role, along with civil society, governments and academia to come up with fundamental solutions.
I think humanity will find its way back to a sustainable path of growth and development. My optimism is redoubled, when I talk to young people and see their commitment and sensitivity to this issue. That is where the sparks of human ingenuity lie - amongst the young people - more than anywhere else.
I am sure we will tackle this challenge, however daunting it may be, as we take it head on, focusing on solutions rather than just the fear of it. I am an optimist in this, as in everything else.
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