Business Meets the Environmental Challenge: Essays with Profiles of Nova Scotia Companies

Robert W. Sexty is a professor of commerce and business administration
at Memorial University of Newfoundland and author of Canadian Business:
Issues and Stakeholders.

The editors identify the purpose of this book as twofold: to identify
for business leaders some of the social, economic, legal and political
changes that are affecting their markets; and to illustrate how some
businesses in Nova Scotia have responded to the environmental challenge.

The book presents 12 essays and 11 profiles of enterprises that have
initiated actions and that have policies on environmental issues. Eleven
essays were contributed by graduate students at Dalhousie University,
and cover such topics as the role of government in influencing
environmental business practices, the liability associated with
environmental offences, environmental impact assessment, environmental
taxes, and emissions trading. Accompanying the essays are footnotes and
suggested readings. An overview chapter written by a consultant provides
a context for the topics covered in the essays.

The 11 profiles, also prepared by students, describe such companies as
The Body Shop, McDonald’s Restaurants, National Sea Products, Olands
Breweries, and Seagull Pewter and Silversmiths. The profiles are
disappointing: more detailed and comprehensive information can be
obtained from contemporary sources.

While this book modestly accomplishes its purpose, managers are advised
to look elsewhere for a comprehensive examination of the environmental
challenge confronting them.