Name: Brian Fu Location: New Jersey, United States of America 　　　 　　　Environmental protection is a tricky issue. Concerned activists can inspire dramatic protests that bring environmental issues to the public’s attention. Yet, merely knowing of wrongs being done to the environment is not enough without action. Often, businesses are involved, which begs an important question; is it the responsibility of business to worry about their environmental impact? 　　　Milton Friedman’s famous statement was that the social responsibility of business is to increase its profits. The owners that receive the profits can then dedicate their money as they see fit. Social responsibility would pertain using the environment responsibility. Rather than having business run amok over exploitation of the earth, I believe business can successfully balance profits with environmentally conscious actions. One way is by communicating these benefits to customers. More profits can be made by using environmentally sensitive manufacturing process, than risking unfavorable media attention from concerned activists. 　　　Even then, there still are examples of environmental disasters in action or in the making every day. The real problem, not the push for businesses to earn profit, may lie with us. Even with media attention courtesy of activists, we don’t always act to change our behavior. Perhaps it is our shortsightedness, not seeing the immediate effects of climate change, or deforestation. After all, many aren’t there firsthand to observe the negative effects of something like deforestation, resulting in landslides and the destruction of an ecosystem. Instead, we might see instead the delicious food planted on the land, or the new supplies of quality timber. 　　　The onus is upon us to find a way to encourage enterprises to be socially responsible, and to achieve that, push people towards action, at the same time navigating through a maze of government legislation. It is up to the world forum, the United Nations to take stronger steps to preserve the environment.