Let’s take a trip back in time to when we were in high school before my head was filled with dreams about global logistics and sustainable supply chains.
Remember then? How you had the whole world figured out—except for that person you had a crush on in Third Period—and nothing could stop you from taking over once you got out?
But here’s the biggie: You knew what the “olds” were doing was wrong, and you had the answer. They didn’t understand what the kids were doing, and you knew technology that they’d never learn.
Yeah, that was fun. Things never change. Today’s high school students are thinking the same thing about us, and you know what? They’re probably right.
But these same students will carry the torch forward and build our future society, including the supply chain practices we only dream about today.
Let’s look at how that’s going to happen.
The future has different development goals
We grew up in a time when we had Earth Day, Al Gore talked about global warming, and we started to recycle. While our parents treated the streets like their garbage cans, we have a little bit more decorum.
But our kids see things differently.
The environment and its changing nature are a much higher priority for them. They see this as a threat, not an inconvenience. Just ask any tenth grader whether or not they recycle, and they’ll look at you like you’ve got a hole in your head. Of course, they recycle.
This means ESG—Environmental Social and Governance—issues are more important to them and the jobs they will take on in the future. The raw materials that we use today to make products that, in the process, may increase carbon emissions are not going to be viable options anymore. Sustainability is key, as is environmental responsibility.
How Will the Future Look Different?
Kids today see a future where things are better than they are today from an environmental perspective. One great place to solve those issues is with the global supply chain, where there are not only inefficiencies but also lots of places where things could be more environmentally friendly.
What are areas of social responsibility in a supply chain?
- Sustainable sourcing. Using something until it’s extinct is no longer an option.
- Working conditions. Today’s kids see how difficult it is to be in the workforce and don’t want to suffer like some of their parents do.
- Carbon emissions. The future is decreasing or eliminating them entirely, not debating whether or not they should exist.
This is not all going to happen at once, obviously. But each generation is becoming more and more in tune with what they want their planet to look like, so there will definitely be changes.
Imagining the Future
While today, we’re all OK with coal plants and relying on fossil fuels, electric cars and wind or solar power will soon be the dominant factor. All you need to do is take a drive through metro Phoenix, Arizona.
There are tons of parking lots at schools, government buildings, and even airports that have solar panels providing shade for commuters. Solar and wind are great options when you want to make as little impact on the environment as possible.
But the supply chain has to change for all this to happen. We have to make sure labor practices are fair in the countries we do business with. Poisoning towns with chemicals needed for the production of any item isn’t going to be acceptable. Transportation will have to become more sustainable, too. How this all comes together is going to take a lot of work, but the children of today are going to make it happen.
This means that you and your company should get ahead of the times today. Start looking at your ESG policies and see what you can do to improve the status quo before the youth take over. Think of it like cleaning your room before you leave for college.
You don’t want to put the burden on those who come after you, right?
Want to Learn More?
Recently, I wrote a piece about the global supply chain, chocolate, and rock ’n’ roll. Yes, I know, that sounds like the weirdest combo since peanut butter, bananas, and bacon, but trust me, we make all the connections.
How the Global Supply Chain Is Like a Summer Metallica Tour (On Forbes.com)
Supply Chain Management: What We Can Learn From Rock and Roll
Food Supply Chain: From Cacao Bean to Chocolate Bar
