Ethical Responsibility of Climate Change in UK Retail
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Student ID Number
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S00055897 |
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Programme Title |
BSc Business Management
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Module Title |
Business Management Disertation
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Module Code (listed on Moodle and in LTAFP) |
QAB020X602A & QAB020X604S |
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Module Convenor |
Sue Niven Spence
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Academic Declaration: Students are reminded that the electronic copy of their essay may be checked, at any point during their degree, with Turnitin or other plagiarism detection software for plagiarised material. |
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Word Count |
8000(excluding references and appendix)
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Date Submitted |
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AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE UK AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE RETAIL INDUSTRY
Acknowledgements
This research project has been an important opportunity for me to improve my research skills. I would initially like to thank my teachers for giving me the opportunity of conducting this research. Secondly, my parents and friends have been a source of persistent support while the research conduction I am thankful to them. I am grateful to the research participants for helping me with the data collection procedure. Last but not least I would thank my supervisor for the guidance that has been provided throughout the research and completion of the project would otherwise not have been possible.
Abstract
This research project has the purpose of investigating the responsibility of retailers in addressing climate change. There is the provision of a literature review on the research topic by giving an overview of climate change and detailing the impact of the retail industry on climate change. The selected research methods were primary and secondary to obtain information to address research questions. The findings of the research reveal that factors that are responsible for impacting climate change are industrialisation and deforestation. Due to the retail operations, the impact on the climate has been increased pollution, emission of CO2 and other greenhouse gases leading to global warming. Challenge that stop the organisations from having a limited negative impact on the climate are transportation activities and logistics operations.Secondary research state that reorienting the earlier practices for using renewable energy is also a change to the organisations in the sector. Strategies that can help in mitigating climate change are issues to retail operations are adapting sustainable measures, offering sustainable products and reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emission. Several strategies that can be recommended to the retail organisations in the UK are progression towards neutralising carbon emission, forming a sustainable supply chain, reducing energy consumption and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Table of Contents
Overview of the climate change 9
Factors influencing the climate change 10
Impact of the retail practices on the situation of climate change 10
Challenges appearing for the retail organisations to prevent the climate change 11
Strategies to mitigate the climate change process in the UK 11
Sampling and target population 14
Anticipated findings of the research 16
The existing body of evidence 16
Analysis/Evaluation of Results/Findings 34
Introduction
Background
Climate change has been one of the major obstacles for the United Kingdom (UK) for the management of the efficiency of the respective environment to have better support within the organisations. In other words, different operations of retail industries are creating a harmful impact on the environment of the respective areas of the UK and it is highly impactful for the climate of the UK as global warming is increasing on a large scale. Additionally, the impact of climate change has been felt across the retail industries of the UK considering the global supply chains, climate patterns and the formation of extreme weather conditions. The impact on the process of climate change is coming from the factors like agricultural practices, the use of impactful technologies and attention on the cost of the operations; therefore, it is becoming highly essential for the retail industries across the UK to improve their practices.
Importance of the Research
In support of that, the people within the UK are also required to be more innovative to change their behaviour to adapt thesuitability within theorganisations to have a better outcome. Therefore it is becoming one of the major responsibilities of the organisationsunder the retailindustries to improve their practices to prevent climate change for the organisations to have a better chance. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the impact of maintaining the ethical responsibilities of the organisations under the retail services to manage the process of climate change to have a better outcome.
Research aim and objectives
Research aim
This research aims to highlight the impact of the ethical responsibilities of the organisations under the retail industries to prevent climate change for fetching better outcome.
Research objectives
To find the impact of the retail operations on climate change within the UK
To highlight the major factors that are influencing climate change within the UK, considering the activities of the retail industries
To assess the major challenges that are preventing the organisations to support the process of preventing the climate change
To develop acceptable strategies by the retailorganisations within the UK to manage the climate change operations
Research questions
What is the impact of retail operations on the process of climate change within the UK?
What are the major factors that are influencing the process of climate change in the UK due to the implementation of retail practices?
What are the major challenges for the improvement of the climate change process within the UK?
What kind of strategies will be used to improve the process of climate change within the UK along with the retail operations?
Literature review
Conceptual framework
Figure 1: Conceptual framework
(Source: Developed by the learner, 2021)
Overview of the climate change
Climate change is one of the major obstacles for the people of the UK as it is influencing the process of global warming across the Earth, which can lead to critical scenarios for humankind to manage the consequences. It has been observed that the temperature within the surface has been increased by 10C since the pre-industrial period. In light of this, the 21St century is considered as the warmest years on the earth compared to the last 3 decades and it has been increasing the harmful effects on the environment within the UK and the result is influencing the process of climate change. In the opinion of Sullivan and Gouldson, (2020), the retail industry is becoming one of the major supporters of climate change as the operations within the retail industries are leading to many of the difficulties related to climate change. The retail industries of the UK are contributing nearly 215 MtCO2e through the lifecycle footprint of the good across the industries and from the transportation services nearly ~50 MtCO2e isbeing emitted within the environments. It is because the retail sectors within the UK are contributing 80% of the greenhouse gases in the air in the form of CH4, CFC and CO2(brc.org.uk, 2021).
Factors influencing the climate change
There have been many factors, which are leading to climate changes in the regions of theUK, as the process needs to be managed with the proper support of the strategies to prevent the situation from arising. Therefore, the factors are,
Agriculture and deforestation: The major reason for climate change is the modification of the process of climate change and deforestation within the UK and the process is leading to a high-rise of the temperature within the respective places (Brack, 2019). The level of CO2 has been increased on a large scale due to the lack of trees to protect from the different types of toxic elements.
Industrialisation: Industrialisation is another major contributor to the climate changeaspectsfor the UK as there have been many cities, which are developing their structures with modifiedtechnologies without focussing on sustainability. It has been knownthat the rate of CO2 has been increased by 45% due to the industrialisation process and is happeningglobal warming to take place within the UK (gov.uk, 2021).
Impact of the retail practices on the situation of climate change
Climate change is considered an insidious issue, which is capable of embroiling the people on the planet with the different types of negative factors that are harmful to the environment as well as the people (Lewis et al., 2019). The operations of the retailindustries are influencing the process of climate change for the UK as in order to have a notable growth in the business organisations are modifying the agricultural process to be more effective without concerning the damage it is creating for thesurface of the Earth. From the operation of the agricultural works, nearly 32000 million tons of CO2 is forming and it is creating a negative impact on the crisis of global warming. Therefore, it can be known that nearly 40% of the CO2 is coming from the agriculturaloperations within the country and it is harmful to the environment if the practices are not changed into sustainability (retail-focus.co.uk, 2021).
Challenges appearing for the retail organisations to prevent the climate change
There have been many operationswithin the retail industry that are creatingnumerous troubles for the management of climate change operations. In support of that, some of themeasures within the retailindustries are not appropriate to be conducted to have better outcomes. In support of that, the activities within the retail sectors, which are influencing the climate change-related operations are,
Use of fossil fuel-based energies: Retail operations are highly linked with the use of a sufficient amount of energy that is coming from the fuel-based platforms. Therefore, the use of coal is creating significant amounts of CO2 in the air and it is leading to the high rate of pollution within the UK (Freites and Jones, 2021). Moreover, extraction of coal is also happening with the help of different measurers which are not eco-friendly, thus it is one of the major reasons for the climate change problem in the UK.
High rate of transportation and logistics operation: For the management of the retail operations, the transportation services should be appropriate to manage the efficiency of the processes with perfection. In order to manage the operations within the UK, fuels are required and it is leading to a high rate of emission of CO2 in the air(Trapp et al., 2020). Therefore, the emission of CO2on a higher scale along with the othergreenhouse gasses is developing the problem of climate change within the UK and consequences are coming in the form of global warming.
Lack of knowledge among the individuals in the retail industry: Lack of proficient knowledge among the employees of the organisations are reducing the accuracy of the retail organisations to perform better for the prevention of the climate change process(Seddon et al., 2020). Therefore, the retail industries are having obstacles for the improvement of the efficiency of the operations to control the measures for the improvement of the process of climate change to have better results.
Strategies to mitigate the climate change process in the UK
For the improvement of the process of climate change, some of the essentialmeasures are requiredto be taken for the improvement of the efficiency of the operations within theorganisations to have significant support. In support of that, some of the strategies are required to be implemented to make quality progress in the activities. In support of that, the preferable strategies are,
Use of standardised methods: There have been many policies and standards, which are required to be followed by the retail industries to improve the quality of the activities within the retail operations to have better outcomes. In support of that, applying the policies like “National planning policy framework”and following the “Climate changing act 2008” can be the solutions for the retail organisation to follow the standards for the improvement of their operations to have a better outcome (gov.uk, 2021).
Reduction of the emission of greenhouse gases: Reduction of the greenhouse gases are the major factors that need to be managed properly to have a better outcome for the improvement of the respective surroundings (Comelloet al., 2021). In support of that, the operations within the organisations are required to be managed by measuring the appropriate factors such 1as the use of fossil fuel, refrigerators and air-conditioners in the perfect way to have better results.
Use of sustainable measures: Sustainability is the major requirement for the improvement of the efficiency of the process to make proper improvements on the climate-changing issues. In support of that, the use of electric made vehicles will be helping the organisations to improve the impact on the environment as well as to reduce the cost of the operations (Naidoo and Gasparatos, 2018). On the other hand, the disposal of waste materials is the major factor for the retail industries to be focused to improve operationalefficacy as well as supporting the prevention of climate change aspects.
Literature gap
From the assessment of the above literature, it can be stated that essentialfactors about climate change with respect to retail operations have been provided to have a proper view. In support of that, some of the essential areas as the challenges and strategies are required to be assessed properly with the support of the in-depth research. Therefore, these areas will be focused on in the future using suitableresearch methods to have a better outcome.
Research methodology
Research onion
Figure 3: Research onion
(Source: Influenced by Saunders et al., 2015)
Research paradigm
Research paradigm is about a set of commonly held beliefs and assumptions, which are required to be undertaken to improve the accuracy of the research to have a better outcome. The significance of the research paradigm is exceptionally high in the research, as the researcher needs to find the best possible approaches like epistemology, ontology and methodology (Kamal, 2019). Following the above factors, the process of epistemology has been selected to have a better outcome to support the findings with proper accuracy. Therefore, the use of epistemology is perfect for the identification of the nature, origin and scope of the knowledge to have better support in the organisations.
Research approach
There have been different methods included in the research approaches, as methods are essential to be assessed by respective researchers to fulfil the demand within the project. The significance of the research approaches is considerable as it includes different elements like inductive deductive and abductive (Mitchell, 2018). Considering this factor, the inductive research approach will be applied for the improvement of the research project to collect data that are considered essential for this research. On the other hand, the use of an inductive approach will be helping the respective individuals to develop theories based on the findings of this research project.
Data collection methods
The collection of data is outlined with the help of different tools and techniques including qualitative and quantitative measures to collect and evaluate ample amounts of information considering the context of the research. In support of that, the data collection is performed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches as the tools are selected based on the suitability of the methods (Rutberg and Bouikidis, 2018). Considering that survey will be used to collect primary data and the research papers will also be assessed to collect secondary data as well. In that way, this research will be continued to find the best possible support for the development of significant findings.
Data analysis
The concept of data analysis is significantly dependent on the use of appropriate tools and the skills of the respective individual who have been hired for the process. The quality of the data analysis process is one of the major concerns of the researcher while using the respective tools and techniques to find significant patterns, which are hidden within the collected data. Considering these the process of data collection will be conducted using the MS Excel and thematic analysis process, which will be appropriate for the analysis of primary and secondary data as well (Harvey, 2018). In that way, the respective research will have the support of both descriptive and statistical ways of analysis in which different charts and graphs will be provided to improve the belief about the research arguments. However, appropriate themes will also be provided to describe the fact that will be found from the secondary data collection process.
Sampling and target population
Sampling is considered one of the significant aspects of the research projects in which the researcher gets a proper opportunity of selecting the participants for the management of the primary data collection process. Therefore, the significance of the data collection activities becomes higher when the appropriate sampling method is used to develop proper samples of primary and secondary data. The approach of sampling is widely dependent on the selection of probability and nonprobability sampling methods according to the context of the data collection (Bacheret al., 2019).
As per the identification of the respective condition of this research, the non-probability sampling method will be used to develop review examples in which the simple random sampling with the focus has absolute support.On the other hand, the significance of developing a proper sampling size requires absolute support from the research team to develop the capability of collecting data. In support of the above argument, 25 employees will be selected from the retail Industries within the UK to conduct a survey focusing on the ethical manner to protect climate change in retail operations.
Ethical implication
There have been different types of ethical factors, which are required to be assessed properly by the respective individuals within the research team. In respect to this,Data Protection Act 2018 is required to be assessed properly for the improvement of the activities in terms of maintaining the privacy of their respective data, which will be collected from the assessment of different sources (legislation.gov.uk, 2021). On the other hand, intellectual property rights are another significant activity that is required to be followed to improve the process of acknowledging the actual authors. However, a proper consent form will be used to collect the consent of every participant who is willing to provide the effort in the research to develop proper findings.
Research strategy
The research study is defined as the process, which is used to create and design the respective activities that will be increasing the value of the research on a large scale. The quality of the research strategy depends on the selection of actual methods as well as approaches to have appropriate support. In contrast to the above statement, both the qualitative and quantitative measures will be applied to develop a significant process of collecting and analysing data to have proper support in preparing findings (Basias and Pollalis, 2018).
Importance of the research
The chosen research is highlyessential, as the aspect of climatechange have been focused in this research for the identification of the essential factors for the improvement of the process of mitigating the climate change and to aware the communities about the change. The research is appropriate for the identification of the harmful effects that are coming from the retail operations within the UK and supporting climate change. On the other hand, this research is also chosen for the determination of the actual factors that are influencing the efficiency of development of the solutions for the mitigation of global warming and climate change to have a better outcome. Hence, this research will be playing a beneficial role for the determination of the prime factors regarding the retail approaches to develop strategic measures for the mitigation of the process by creating awareness among the people about the consequences.
Anticipated findings of the research
The findings for this research will be the problems that are generated due to the situation like climate change within the UK and the influence of the retail industries in the process. This research will be appropriate for highlighting the factors about the climate change actions as the issues with the prevention of the process needs to be highlighted to have a better outcome. Therefore, having the support of this research will be playing a critical role in the improvement of the measures for the retail industries considering their practices to improve the efficiency of the mitigation process to make a proper profit. However, the findings will be presented via charts, graphs and themes to manage the effectiveness of the research in order to be presented to the audiences.
The existing body of evidence
For the gathering of evidence, different research methodologies will be used for the improvement of the accuracy of the activities to have better outcomes. In support of that, the research methodologies like the primary and secondary data collection will be applied for the gathering of the essential data to improve the measures for the research to ensure a proper outcome. In that way, the evidence will be collected to be presented to the people who are willing to have knowledge on the significance of the climate change crisis within the UK.
Timeline of the research
The timeline for the research is one of the major factors to be undertaken to improve the quality of the process to have a better outcome. In support of that, the essentiality of the timeline is extremely high, as it is required to be managed to present the actual timeline for the activities, which are essential for the research. The process of improving the timeline for the research is widely dependent on the determination of the time required for the activities to have a better chance.
Figure 2: Timeline
(Source: Developed by the learner, 2021)
Results and Findings
This chapter has displayed the findings that have been obtained as a result of survey administration. Tables and graphs have been used for representing and analysing the findings of the research in an organised manner.
Survey and Results
1. Which is the gender you identify with?
Options |
Total Participants |
Response |
Percentage |
Male |
25 |
11 |
44 |
Female |
25 |
12 |
48 |
Others |
25 |
2 |
8 |
Table 1: Participant’s Gender
Figure 3: Participant’s Gender
Analysis: From the table above it can be stated that the majority of selected participants that is 48% were female employees from the retail industry in the UK. 44% were male and the rest 8% were from the others category.
2. Can you state your age range below?
Options |
Total Participants |
Response |
Percentage |
20-30 Years |
25 |
9 |
36 |
30-40 Years |
25 |
14 |
56 |
40-50 Years |
25 |
2 |
8 |
Table 2: Age
Figure 4: Age
Analysis: From the graph above it is evident that 56% of the participants were from the age range of 30-40 years and 36% of them were from the age range of 20-30 years. The rest 8% were from the age range of 40-50 years. Therefore, it can be stated that the maximum number of participants were from the age range of 30-40 years.
3. For how long have you been working in a retail organisation?
Options |
Total Participants |
Response |
Percentage |
Below 5 years |
25 |
7 |
28 |
5-10 years |
25 |
12 |
48 |
Above 10 years |
25 |
6 |
24 |
Table 3: Working years
Figure 5: Working years
Analysis: The graph above is an implication of the factor that almost 48% of the participants in this research are involved with working in the retail sector for more than 5 years. However, 28 % less experienced participants with less than 5 years of expertise in the retail sector were also a part of the research. Lastly, it can be stated that 24% of them have been working in retail organisations for more than 10 years.
4. Do you agree that retail operations are impacting climate change in the UK?
Options |
Total Participants |
Response |
Percentage |
Strongly Agree |
25 |
5 |
20 |
Agree |
25 |
10 |
40 |
Neutral |
25 |
5 |
20 |
Disagree |
25 |
4 |
16 |
Strongly Disagree |
25 |
1 |
4 |
Table 4: Agreement
Figure 6: Agreement
Analysis: The table above implicates that the majority of the participants either agree or strongly agree that the retail industry in the UK is impacting climate change in the country. 40% agreed to the fact and 20% strongly agreed to it while another 20%responded to the neutral option provided to them. 16% however are still of the opinion that they disagree with the fact that retail operations in the UK are impacting the existing climate in the country. 4% that is one individual strongly disagreed that retail organisations are impacting the UK’s climate.
5. Which are the factors that are influencing climate change within the UK if retail industry activities are considered?
Options |
Total Participants |
Response |
Percentage |
Industrialisation |
25 |
16 |
64 |
Agriculture and Deforestation |
25 |
6 |
24 |
Urbanisation |
25 |
3 |
12 |
Table 5: Factors
Figure 7: Factors
Analysis: From the table above it can be stated that according to the participants 64% of them agree to the fact that Industrialisation is the potential cause of climatic change in the United Kingdom. The next factors that have been agreed upon by 24% of them are agriculture and deforestation. It has been found that the rest 12% believe that it is urbanisation that is responsible for changes in the UK climate.
6. According to you what are the impacts of the retail operations on the UK’s climate?
Options |
Total Participants |
Response |
Percentage |
Global Warming |
25 |
17 |
68 |
Emission of CO2 and increased pollution |
25 |
4 |
16 |
Sea Level Rise |
25 |
4 |
16 |
Table 6: Impact
Figure 8: Impact
Analysis: 68% of the respondents stated that the impact of the retail operations has led to global warming by impacting the climate of the UK. 16% each responded that the rise in the sea level and the emission of CO2 polluting the environment are outcomes of the retail operation on the UK's climate. It is clear from the pie chart that the respondents believed that global warming is the consequence of retail operations in the country.
7. Is the organisation facing any challenges in supporting the prevention of climatic change?
Options |
Total Participants |
Response |
Percentage |
Yes |
25 |
13 |
52 |
Not Sure |
25 |
7 |
28 |
No |
25 |
5 |
20 |
Table 7: Whether facing a challenge
Figure 9: Whether facing a challenge
Analysis: This graph above states that 52% of the participants stated that their organisations are facing challenges in supporting the prevention of a climatic change in the UK. 28% of the participants were not sure whether their organisations are facing any challenges related to the same. The remaining 20% was of the opinion that their organisations are not facing any challenges.
8. What are the challenges that stop your organisation from preventing climatic change processes?
Options |
Total Participants |
Response |
Percentage |
Limited Knowledge |
25 |
4 |
16 |
Increased levels of transportation and logistics operations |
25 |
14 |
56 |
Use of fossil fuel-based energy |
25 |
7 |
28 |
Table 11: Challenges faced
Figure 10: Challenges faced
Analysis: Logistics operations and high transportation rates are one of the major challenges that stop retail organisations from supporting the prevention of climate change in the UK and 56% of them agreed to the statement. 28% of the participants stated that using energy that fossil fuel-based is another prominent challenge followed by 16% of participants stating that limited knowledge possessed is the challenge.
9. What are the current strategies that the UK retail sector organisations are using for reducing their negative impact on climate?
Options |
Total Participants |
Response |
Percentage |
Reduction in energy consumption |
25 |
10 |
40 |
Increased use of Renewable sources of energy |
25 |
10 |
40 |
Deploying fewer technology |
25 |
5 |
20 |
Table 9: Current Strategies
Figure 11: Current Strategies
Analysis: According to the above table it can be stated that 40% of the participants believe that reduction in energy consumption is one of the current strategies that the UK's retail sector utilise for reducing their negative impact on the environment. Another 40% of participants were of the opinion that climatic change is prevented by UK retail organisations through the increasing use of renewable sources of energy. Deployment of fewer technology has been stated by the rest 20% of the participants as a strategy that the retail sector has adopted for preventing climate change in the country.
10. Which strategies by the UK retail organisations can help in managing the climate change operations?
Options |
Total Participants |
Response |
Percentage |
Reduce Emission of greenhouse gases |
25 |
9 |
36 |
Abide by Climate Changing Acts and improve operations |
25 |
6 |
24 |
Adopting sustainable measures |
25 |
10 |
40 |
Figure 12: Strategies for preventing climate change
Analysis: 40% of the participants were of the opinion that the adoption of sustainable measures can be a beneficial strategy for managing climate change operations. Reducing the emission of greenhouse gases can also help organisations support the prevention of climate change according to 36% of the retail sector employees among the participants. Another 24% of the participants stated that adapting to the climate change act and thus making the operation greener might remain an effective solution for reducing the impact of an organisation on the climate.
Secondary research
Themes |
Sources |
Findings |
Authors |
Year of publishing |
Theme 1: The implication of retail operations on the climate change process |
Is Climate Change the Food Retail Industry's Biggest Opportunity? |
It is found that an average store of grocery emits around 1,383 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide every year by consuming energy. Another 1,556 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide is emitted from leaked refrigerants. |
Putnam, H. |
2021 |
The UK retail industry and climate change. |
Emission from the retail supply chain that is from upstream emission on factories and farms, through energy needed in-store operations and diesel. Downstream, the energy is used by customers for powering purchased appliances and devices. UK retail sector contributes to 215Mt carbon dioxide annually with emission from automobiles duel sales of 50Mt carbon dioxide emissions. |
BRC |
2022 |
|
Theme 2: Factors influencing climate change due to retail practices |
The Hidden Price of Climate Change for the Retail Industry. |
Greenhouse gas emissions from the apparel or textile industry are expected to rise by greater than 60% by 2030. Production of more garments means the factories causing environmental pollution as most of them are using coal-based energy to carry out production activities that emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Clothing made of plastic and nylon is difficult to disintegrate. |
Velour, J. |
2019 |
Clouds on the horizon: What climate change means for retail. |
The apparel industry discharges into the ocean bodies around half a million tonnes of microfibers every year. |
Howland, D. et al. |
2019 |
|
Theme 3: Challenges in addressing climate change |
Feeling the heat? |
This is found that addressing climate change is challenging because it needs reorientation of renewable energy and materials with a decrease in dependence on scarce water resources. The authors have described the requirements to address the climate change issue that include investment in installing heat insulation and the development of less carbon-intensive services or products. |
Deloitte |
2019 |
Why People Aren’t Motivated to Address Climate Change. |
It is stated that people are not motivated to tackle climate change for different reasons. Organisations ignore climate change for short-term benefits. For instance, they can keep the production cheaper without the requirement of developing new processes that may limit the emission of carbon. |
Markman, A. |
2018 |
|
Theme 4: Strategies to address climate change |
Tackling Climate Change: Six Ways Retailers Can Help. |
Retailers can offer sustainable products to customers, source locally, remove or enhance packaging, ask before printing receipts, and reduce carbon emissions. |
Marks, S. |
2021 |
Analysis: How retailers are combating climate change. |
Retailers are pledging to become carbon neutral as per the Paris climate accord. |
Radojev, H. |
2019 |
Table 11: Secondary research
(Source: Created by the learner)
Theme 1 -
The first theme discusses the implications of retail operations in the process of climate change. According to Putnam (2021), a grocery store on average emits tonnes of carbon dioxide each year due to consumption of energy and emission from leaked refrigerators. BRC (2022) furthermore noted that from the retail industry, emission occurs from different value chains such as arms, factories, and others by consumption of energy of diesel in-store. Additionally, when customers use electric appliances or devices they need the energy to power them. Therefore, the retail industry of the UK contributes heavily to environmental emissions every year. Besides this, sales of fuel for automobiles generate carbon dioxide emissions.
By addressing this theme, this can be inferred that the set first objective of this research project of analysing the implications of retail operations on climate change is addressed as the major impact as identified is carbon dioxide emissions.
Theme 2 -
The second theme is upon identifying the factors that create climate change in the retail industry. Velour (2019) identifies that emission of greenhouse gases from the textile and apparel industry may group up to 60% by 2030. This is due to the production of apparel in factories that create pollution with the use of coal-based energy. In this way, it increases carbon emissions and the clothes made from materials like nylon or plastic are difficult to disintegrate thus affecting the environment. Moreover, Howland et al. (2021) have stated that the clothing industry disposes around half a million tonnes of microfibers into large water bodies like oceans each year.
In this way, the researcher could meet the second objective of the project of stating the factors that affect climate change by the retail industry. It is understood that retailers by producing garments using energy emit greenhouse gas emission that results in climate change problems. Additionally, environmental pollution occurs by the manufacturing of products that are difficult to be disintegrated. The microfibers as disposed into water bodies create water pollution affecting marine life.
Theme 3 -
In this theme, there is a discussion on the challenges associated with addressing the issue of climate change by retailers. Deloitte (2019) reported that climate change in order to be tacked requires reorientation towards the use of renewable energy and equipment. Businesses may need to lessen their dependency on scarce resources. Furthermore, it needs investment in the installation of heat insulation and production of services or products that emit less carbon. Supporting this, Markman (2018) had to say that people lack motivation towards addressing the climate change problems. Businesses ignore this issue for short-term advantages. Lack of consideration towards this issue reduces their pressure of developing a new process that would be less carbon-intensive. In addition to this, ignorance towards this global issue keeps their manufacturing process cost less.
The third theme is related to the third objective of this project, as there is the identification of challenges in addressing climate change. It is learned from the secondary research findings that as the prevention of climate change needs reorientation of businesses practices towards using renewable resources and energy, it requires changes in operations and investment. Organisations face challenges in changing the processes to reduce carbon emissions. It is also identified that the challenge associated with climate change prevention strategy is short-term benefits to businesses. Investment in the new production process is challenging due to cost requirements.
Theme 4 -
Regarding the climate change issue, the last theme focuses on the determination of measures to address the climate change problem by retailers. Marks (2021) has highlighted some key ways to tackle climate change by retailers. It is recognised that there can be an offering of sustainable services and products to consumers. The retailers can source locally, improve or remove packaging, and decrease the emission of carbon. Besides this, the customers can be asked before printing the receipts. This is discussed that the retailers can select from recyclable or recycled products and use eco-friendly packaging to cut emissions and plastic pollution. Radojev (2019) has also stated that retailers are focusing on becoming neutral by following the Paris climate agreement. As per this, the goal is to reduce global warming to prevent the implications of climate change.
The fourth theme is based on the last research objective that emphasises developing strategies that can help retailers in managing climate change. It is also addressed as it is obtained from secondary research that several measures can be adopted by retailers to deal with climate change. They are the provision of sustainable offerings to customers that can be recycled or made from recycled materials. Local sourcing is an effective strategy to cut transportation emissions. Packaging can be removed or improved by using eco-friendly materials in order to lessen emissions. Plastic packaging harms the environment thus this should be avoided. It is also found that retailers should become carbon neutral as per the agreement on climate in Paris, 2015. By focusing on the goal of addressing global warming, the issue of climate change can be addressed as well. Overall, the mentioned strategies are related to reducing the emission of carbon dioxide.
Analysis/Evaluation of Results/Findings
The initial objective of the research was to find the impact of retail operations on climate change within the UK. It has been found that most of the respondents of the research believed that the UK's climate or environment is being affected as a result of the operations of the retail industry. However, there were also few participants that preferred to respond as there is no climatic impact of the retail organisation on the climate in the UK. The primary research of the study has further, revealed that global warming is the impact of the retail operations that are leading to climate change in the UK. Another potential impact on the UK's climate that has been identified from the primary research is that it leads to increased CO2 emission and a rise in sea levels. From the literature review, it has been obtained that operations of the UK retail sector have damaged the earth. Retail-focus (2021), stating that due to organisational operations and agricultural works 32000 million tons of carbon dioxide is emitted that is responsible for global warming. From the same, it can be generalised that retail organisation not only in the UK but across the globe is responsible for the emission of harmful gaseous wasted leading to global warming and harmful impact on people.
Identifying the factors that are leading to climate change in the country was the objective that followed. In respect to this it has been recognised from the according to the participants it is industrialisation that is responsible for increased negative impact on the environment. while other participants believed that agricultural operations, deforestation and urbanisation are among the other factors, The process of survey limited the options for factors and it was noticed that participants, in general, find other probable factors as also being responsible for impacting the climate. This could have been evaluated more effectively if the survey was accompanied by an interview that allows development in insight into the research phenomenon being explored. Gov (2021), mentioning that industrialisation leading to an increase in 45% of the increase in CO2 emission as being responsible for the climate change in the UK can allow supporting the findings. From the literature review, it has also been obtained that deforestation or cutting down of trees is a factor. According to the author, deforestation has increased temperature in respective parts of the country (Brack, 2019).
The third objective of the study was finding the challenges that are being faced by the retail organisations in the UK stopping the, from preventing negative impact on the environment. Most of the respondents agreed that organisations are facing challenges that are diminishing their ability to have a less climatic impact. Although the participants were found to be not sure about the existence of the challenges and the others were not aware of the same. According to the primary research, it can be stated that most of the participants believe that logistics operations and the high rate of transportation in the retail sectors are a challenge that prevents them from protecting the environment. The retail sector organisations still make use of non-renewable engage that are fuel-based is also a challenge for the sector that is stopping them from limiting their negative impact on the climate of the country. A similar finding from the literature review state that fuel that is emitted as a result of the high rate of transportation supply chain operations emit CO2 along with other greenhouse gases resulting in increased global warming (Trapp et al., 2020).
A contrary finding in respect to the challenges has also been found via primary research. It can be stated that only a few participants believed that limited knowledge possessed by employees in the sector is a challenge. However, the literature review identifies a potential lack of knowledge among the employees in the retail organisation that affect the companies from performing better in protecting climate change (Seddon et al., 2020). Using more participants in the research could have allowed delving into the research and identifying their opinions about the same. More participants could have helped increase the possibility of generalising the findings and thus making the results of the primary findings more reliable. Additionally, a larger sample size could have reduced the sampling error an enhanced the validity of the results obtained (Etikan, and Babtope, 2019). A sample size of 25 however is not extremely less and to some extent can help to generalise the findings. Finally, it can be stated that the obtained challenges through the primary research can be recognised as a common threat that is not allowing the country's retail organisation from preventing climate change.
The last objective of the study dealt with identifying the strategies that retail organisations should adopt for ensuring that it does not lead to climate change or impact the environment negatively. Current strategies that are being utilised by the UK's retail sector organisation has been found using the primary research strategy and they are reduction in energy consumption and reducing the use of non-renewable sources of energy. Another strategy that the organisations abide by is limiting their technology use by less deployment of the same.
According to research participants for mitigating the climate change issue resulting from the retail operations they should adopt sustainable measures or green practices as a part of the mission. Reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases through managing the use of non-renewable energy can also be beneficial. On a similar note, it has been obtained from the literature review that reduction of greenhouse gasses can help manage and lead to better outcomes for improving the impact caused to the surroundings. Moreover, Naidoo and Gasparatos (2018), in the review argued that proper waste disposal, the use of electric made vehicles can lead to improvements on the climate-changing problems. The same can help to ensure that the overall cost of production is also reduced. The overall findings thus impact that the primary research for the study has been able to address the objectives of the study thus allowing to define the factors. impacts and changes that are responsible for climate change caused in the UK. It has also been able to provide first-hand and up to date information regarding the strategies that can help retail firms improve the existing climatic conditions in the UK.
From the secondary research results, it is found that the retail industry impacts climate change by emitting carbon in stores, delivery, production sourcing, and other areas. BRC (2022) has effectively discussed how carbon emission is triggered at different supply chain areas. As non-renewable energy sources are used for manufacturing products, it emits a high amount of carbon into the environment. This can be linked to the findings of the literature review as Freites and Jones (2021) have discussed that the usage of fossil fuel most high amount of carbon dioxide that is detrimental to the environment. The author however has not determined other sources that cause carbon emission into the atmosphere.
The breakdown of plastics and similar materials moreover hamper the environment causing climate change. The research has been effective in acknowledging how retailers face challenges in dealing with this issue due to the requirement of reorienting the business process and production necessities. Additionally, they need investment in production facilities and processes to reduce carbon emissions (Deloitte, 2019). Challenges occur due to focus on short term benefits of businesses as addressing climate change needs development of new processes (Markman, 2018). In both the mentioned sources, the focus has been on the cost or investment that incurs in the process of tackling the problem of climate change. The secondary research findings have provided information on the areas of tackling climate change such as packaging, provision of recycled or sustainable materials, and local sourcing. Local sourcing by reducing transportation emissions can be proved helpful in addressing the issue of climate change. This is relevant to the literature review wherein Trapp et al. (2020) discussed the transportation causing carbon emissions.
Like Marks (2021), Comello in the literature review has also discussed the measure of reducing greenhouse gas emissions as a strategy of tackling the climate change problem. Yet, the ways to lessen the emission of greenhouse gases are not identified or discussed by the author, which limits the quality of secondary research. Even the goal of the Paris Agreement can be followed to prevent carbon emission so that the climate change problem can be addressed. However, it is not identified how the goal should be achieved in order to mitigate global warming and climate change problems. This suggestion however links with the results of the literature review where the standardised methods are recommended to mitigate the issue of climate change.
Secondary research though has helped in obtaining information from diverse sources related to the climate change problem, the reliability of the same is doubtful as it depends on the accuracy of data presented in the secondary sources. The information however obtained from different sources was relevant to the research topic thus, validity is ensured. The information on climate change issues as occurred in retail operations can be generalised to other industries as this happens mostly due to the emission of carbon that is prevalent in other sectors like consumer goods, automobiles, oil and gas, and so on. The results are helpful for retail operations by informing the impact of their practices on the environment. Additionally, the strategies suggested can be applied to make efforts in tackling the climate change problem. As there is no use of academic sources, the findings, depth is negligible. Moreover, the selected articles were on a given topic that limits the breadth of the information. Yet, the research purpose and questions are addressed as set research objectives are met effectively.
Conclusion
Involving both primary and secondary data collection prices varied information has been gathered in this research. From, the primary research it has been found that industrialisation, agricultural activities and deforestation are primary factors that lead to climate change in the UK.The findings of the literature review are similar to that of the primary research indicating that industrial activities are significant factors that lead to climate change in the country and across the world. The secondary research has identified that greenhouse gas emission from the textile retail industry in the UK leads to environmental pollution and climate change. Discharge of the apparel industry into the ocean and water bodies are also leading to climate change.
The primary findings of the research enlighten that the impact of retail operations on the UK climate is global warming and emission of CO2 which has increased the pollution level of the country. Even the secondary research outcomes state that metric tonnes of carbon dioxide from groceries and refrigerants along with emissions from rerail supply chin increasing carbon levels in the environment are the impacts. From the literature review, similar findings have been obtained that state increase in CO2 levels and poor impact on the environment and health of people are results of retail operation on the climate of the country. Thus, the above findings help in achieving the objective of identifying the impact that the retail operations have on the UK’s climate.
The third objective of the study has been met by addressing the primary survey question that recognised challenges that organisations faced while preventing the negative impact of operations on the climate of the organisation. Logistic operations with the use of high transportation rates and use of fossil-fuel based energies are challenges that are witnessed by the retail organisations in the UK. These prevent them from addressing the issue of climate change. On the other hand, the secondary research findings have found that reorienting the operations to use renewable energy and depending on scarce water resources are challenging for retail organisations. It was also identified that lack of motivation in tackling climate change among these retail companies is a challenge towards protecting the climate from negative impacts. However, the literature review findings concerning the same can be effective for supporting the primary findings stating that transportation and logistics operations are a challenge. The literature review has also recognised that lack of awareness among the employees in the sector might be a probable cause.
Finally, several strategies have been obtained that can help retail organisations resolve the negative impact that their operations have on the climate. Offering green products, sourcing locally. enhancing the packaging system, reducing the emission of carbon can be measures that can help in mitigating the climatic impact that the retail firms lead to. Primary research findings have found that adopting sustainable measures and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases by using electric vehicles for the supply chain or logistic operations are of value. Another significant strategy that the literature review has identified as crucial is abiding by Climate Change Acts for improving the current practices of the organisation can enhance performance with respect to environment and climate. Further research can help in identifying the effective implementation of these strategies and the benefits that result from adopting these practices.
Recommendations
As it has been found that participants believe that implementation of strategies can be advantageous for the retail organisations to address the issue of climate change several recommendations can be proposed. Recommendations that be suggested to the organisations in the UK that can help limit the impact they have on the environment are as follows:
Progression towards carbon neutrality- Through the development of a sustainable strategy for the company and adopting business models that either reduce or eliminate carbon emission can be helpful for retail organisations (Rafi, 2021). This can be ensured by the firms through switching to renewable energy resources. Formulating objectives like becoming carbon neutral or negative by a particular targeted year.
Driving business to adopt sustainability within the supply chain: If the supply chain operations of theretail firms can be reduced or if the same can adapt to more sustainable practices it will remain effective. Using electrically driven vehicles for supplying the goods can reduce the emission of harmful gaseous waste that is emitted by the same. As a result of the same, there will be limited instances where organisations lead to an increase in pollution resulting in global warming.
Reducing energy consumption and using non-renewable energies: Reducing consumption of energy by the retail form scan be effective and have ecological benefits. Turning off lights when not in use, plugging off devices, lowering the air conditioner and similar others can be beneficial (world, 2017). Even ensuring that there is adequate use of water and preventing its wastage can reduce the negative impact of the retail sector on the environment. Avoiding the use of fossil fuels reduces the climatic impact significantly caused by a company.
Promoting practices that are eco-friendly: Options like avoiding long travels and completing a meeting through video conferencing can helps employees in the retail sector in supporting the prevention of climate change in the UK.
Removing or enhancing packaging can also address the climate change issue. According to Two Sides (2018), paper-based packages help in addressing climate change. Forests’ products aid in decreasing carbon emissions. Moreover, recycling paper-based packages decrease emissions and landfill problems. Bauman (2019) has asserted that plastics contribute to climate change besides harming the oceans and human lives. It is a climate problem as incineration emits carbon dioxide besides other global warming elements. By removing plastic from packaging materials, retailers can support lessen the emission of greenhouse gases. This is for the reason that plastic packages incur fossil fuel, plastic refining, and cost in managing plastic waste. When plastic reaches oceans, landscapes, and waterways, it affects the environment and biodiversity.
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Appendix
Survey Questionnaire
1. Which is the gender you identify with?
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2. Can you state your age range below?
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3. For how long have you been working in a retail organisation?
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4. Do you agree that retail operations are impacting climate change in the UK?
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5. Which are the factors that are influencing climate change within the UK if retail industry activities are considered?
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6. According to you what are the impacts of the retail operations on the UK’s climate?
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7. Is the organisation facing any challenges in supporting the prevention of climatic change?
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8. What are the challenges that stop your organisation from preventing climatic change processes?
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9. What are the current strategies that the UK retail sector organisations are using for reducing their negative impact on climate?
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10. Which strategies by the UK retail organisations can help in managing the climate change operations?
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