Climate Commentator

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But I thought jeans were tough? How could climate change harm them too?
Climate Commentator
Last modified on November 15, 2017 at 5:01 pm
The jeans made by Levi Strauss & Co. are known for their high quality and durability. However, they are facing a major threat from an unlikely opponent, climate change. Can Levi’s protect their prized product from this threat?

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On December 1, 2017, KC commented on The End of Everyday: Isolationism’s Potential Impact on Walmart’s “Everyday Low Prices” :

This is a really interesting piece that highlights the massive dilemma that Walmart is facing due to the very real threat of isolationism posed by this president. Walmart must find a way to address two competing goals that are supported largely by the same group of customers. A large part of the president’s base are in Walmart’s target market and would be incensed if prices increased, however they are the loudest supporters for policies that would limit globalization and the lower prices it contributes to.

It is also unclear, if these policies would in fact have a net positive impact on the American worker. There is a very real possibility that the cost of living increase would outpace the added income caused by jobs being moved back to the United States. This is because it wouldn’t only be the prices of Walmart increasing, but those of all companies with a manufacturing arm that have outsourced jobs. Additionally, it will make American companies less competitive on the global scale which will lower profits and potentially lead to lay offs.

As a result it is imperative that Walmart and companies like it, vigorously fight against these isolationist moves. They should do this both through lobbying and through educating the public on the benefits of globalization.

On December 1, 2017, KC commented on Pfizer’s Prescription For A Digital Supply Chain :

I really enjoyed this article. I agree that Pfizer needed to digitize their supply chain. This point is particularly salient in regards to their high level of acquisition activity. A fully digital supply chain will greatly increase the ease of integration and allow fore Pfizer to realize the synergies provided by the acquisitions sooner. Additionally, it will allow them to add quick turnaround of new drugs or production of existing drugs as a customer promise.

In order for the smaller firms to compete, they will have to attempt to replicate Pfizer’s digitized supply chain. To do this without the capital resources, they well have to develop partnerships throughout their supply chains. They will have to convince the other actors in their supply chain of benefit of sharing their data and constructing a central data and information system. This will be made easier by the fact that they can simply point to Pfizer as an example.

On December 1, 2017, KC commented on Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB-InBev): Trouble’s brewing as climate changes impact the beer industry :

Very interesting piece on the sustainability responsibilities of corporations. I would say that ABInBev needs to do both, they need to invest in seed R&D and invest in technologies to reduce their energy and water usage. Essentially, they need to invest in any and all initiatives that are feasible. Additionally, I think they need to also focus on educating both the beer and agriculture industry on the importance of water sustainability and best practices. While ABInBev is the largest beer company in the world it is only one player in the broader agriculture industry which is affecting the water supply.

I don’t think consumers will or should reject beer due to its water usage. Instead consumers should began demanding beer companies take real tangible steps towards lowering their water usage. They should only reject the companies that don’t make any effort in this initiative.