Over the next two decades, businesses will be exposed to numerous environmental and social challenges that could bring both risks and opportunities.

In a recent report, KPMG identified ten sustainability megaforces that will impact African and global companies over the next 20 years. They are:

1. Climate change

KPMG says there are six key types of risk to business from climate change: physical risk, regulatory risk, reputational risk, competitive risk, social risk and litigation risk.

Governments could introduce new laws and regulations to curb climate change, including energy efficiency requirements, carbon taxes, emissions caps and fuel tariffs. Companies might also damage their brands, with the added threat of litigation, if they are seen doing the wrong thing.

While climate change could lead to a rise in agricultural output in higher latitude areas such as Northern Europe, other areas, particularly Africa, could experience falling yields.

2. Energy & fuel

Fossil fuel markets will become more unpredictable due to higher global energy demand; changes in where fossil fuels are consumed; supply and production uncertainties; and increasing regulatory interventions related to climate change.

According to KPMG, all businesses, regardless of sector, size, or location, will find it hard to plan for and manage energy costs, especially those related to fossil fuel use.

This is an opportunity for firms that can help customers become more energy efficient. Similarly, companies that can bring low-carbon power to the world’s poorest people by “leapfrogging” large-scale utility infrastructure are well-placed.

3. Material resource scarcity

As developing countries such as China and India continue to industrialise, worldwide demand for resources and commodities are likely to increase significantly. Over the next two decades, companies are likely to experience global competition for resources that become less easily available.

Resource scarcity could be an opportunity for companies to develop substitute materials, and to recycle resources from waste products.

4. Water scarcity

Water scarcity can pose a major risk to the growth of many companies. KPMG says that businesses operating in areas where freshwater is scarce, may be vulnerable to water shortages, declines in water quality, water price volatility and reputational issues.

Water-intensive sectors include clothing, automobiles, food and beverages, biotech/pharmaceuticals, chemicals, forest products, electronics, mining, and power utilities.

Businesses that use water more efficiently or eliminate water use entirely through closed-loop processes and recycling can save money and resources while also reducing business risks.

5. Population growth

According to conservative estimates, the world’s population is expected to increase to 8.4 billion by 2032. The populations of developing countries are forecast to see the most growth. In 20 years, 58% of the world’s population will live in Asia, and 19% in Africa.

How will this impact business? According to KPMG, companies can expect considerable supply challenges and price swings as a result of such a rapid growth in the number of people, coupled with higher demand for resources. As life expectancy increases, conventions around working life, retirement and personal finance could also be challenges.

6. Wealth

The world’s middle class, defined as those with purchasing power of between US$10 and $100 per day, is expected to increase by 172% between 2010 and 2030.

Workers in emerging economies are likely to develop higher expectations. As a result, the advantages that many companies have experienced from “cheap labour” in developing countries are likely to be eroded by the growth and newfound influence of the middle class.

7. Urbanisation

By 2030, all developing regions, including Africa, will have the majority of their citizens living in urban areas.

Growing cities will require significant improvements in infrastructure, including construction, water and sanitation, electricity, waste, transport, health, public safety and ICT.

KPMG says that rising urbanisation creates opportunities for businesses that can provide innovative ways to improve eco-efficiency, mitigate climate change, improve transportation, alleviate poverty and reduce ecological footprints in areas of high residential and employment density.

8. Food security

Global food prices could rise up to 90% by 2030, driven by pressure from other megaforces such as population growth, water scarcity and deforestation.

This presents a major opportunity for large agricultural producers to cater for the food needs of the growing middle class, especially for more expensive products such as meat and dairy.

9. Deforestation

Forests cover 31% of the planet’s land surface and supply critical resources to local communities and the global economy. In addition, forests also provide services such as soil and water conservation, avalanche control and sand dune stabilisation as well as playing a vital role in keeping greenhouse gas emissions in check.

It is estimated that since the start of the century, the area covered by primary forests (those undisturbed by human activity) has decreased by more than 40 million hectares (an area larger than Japan or Germany).

10. Ecosystem decline

Historically, the principal business risk of declining biodiversity and ecosystem services has been to corporate reputations. Food producers and retailers have been criticised for the damage to ecosystems due to their sourcing of certain products or raw materials, such as fish and timber.

However, companies are beginning to realise how dependent their operations are on the critical services that these ecosystems provide. Continued degradation of global biodiversity and ecosystems could be an operational risk and, in certain locations, potentially jeopardise the long-term profitability and survival of some sectors, including forest products, agriculture and fisheries.