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World Environment Day, which is commemorated each year on June 5th, is one of the most significant mode through which the United Nations stimulates the global awareness of the environment. It is by this way that the United Nations attract political attention and enhances action to shape a better global environment. Each year the World Environment Day is celebrated in recognition of unique theme. Norway was honored to host International World Environment Day 2007 celebrations in recognition of the theme — ‘Melting Ice – The Hot Topic’. Over a hundred nations across the globe celebrates the World Environment Day with highly relevant theme each year.

The slogan for World Environment Day 2008 is ‘Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy’. With an understanding of the fact that the change in climatic condition is gradually becoming one of the most defining issue of the age, UNEP is requesting the nations, companies and communities to put special focus on the greenhouse gas emissions and to put spare thought over how to reduce them. The World Environment Day 2008 is going to highlight resources and focuses on promoting low carbon economies with a view to shape a better and healthier future. Promoting a low carbon economy involves steps towards improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption. The chief international celebration of the World Environment Day 2008 is going to be held in New Zealand.

The Heads of State, Prime Ministers and Ministers of Environment deliver statements and commit themselves to care for this only green planet of the universe. Serious pledges establish sound and non-transitory governmental policies related to environmental management and economic planning. bicycle parades, tree planting , recycling campaigns, clean-up campaigns, street rallies, school level essay and poster competitions etc. are organized all over the world on June 5th to celebrate the World Environment Day.

Here are some information on World Environment Day for the last ten years regarding where the WED celebration was held at and what were the respective themes each year:

Places of celebration:
World Environment Day 2007 – Tromsø, Norway
World Environment Day 2006 – Algiers, Algeria
World Environment Day 2005 – San Francisco, U.S.
World Environment Day 2004 – Barcelona, Spain
World Environment Day 2003 – Beirut, Lebanon
World Environment Day 2002 – Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
World Environment Day 2001 – Torino, Italy and Havana, Cuba
World Environment Day 2000 – Adelaide, Australia
World Environment Day 1999 – Tokyo, Japan
World Environment Day 1998 – Moscow, Russian Federation

Themes of celebration:
World Environment Day 2007 – Melting Ice – a Hot Topic?
World Environment Day 2006 – Deserts and Desertification – Don’t Desert Drylands!
World Environment Day 2005 – Green Cities – Plan for the Planet!
World Environment Day 2004 – Wanted! Seas and Oceans – Dead or Alive?
World Environment Day 2003 – Water – Two Billion People are Dying for It!
World Environment Day 2002 – Give Earth a Chance
World Environment Day 2001 – Connect with the World Wide Web of Life
World Environment Day 2000 – The Environment Millennium – Time to Act
World Environment Day 1999 – Our Earth – Our Future – Just Save It!
World Environment Day 1998 – For Life on Earth – Save Our Seas

Introduction

The business environment is too complex especially with increased globalization and hence have to be understood adequately for the continuous operation of the business. Business environment refers to the surrounding atmosphere on which the business operates and the environment encompass the cultural aspect, political dimension and environmental aspect. The business has to analyse the effect of these dimensions and ways of adapting so as to operate profitably and ensure survival in the long term. Business environment refers to all external forces, which have a bearing on the functioning of business. The business environment factors “are largely if not totally, external and beyond the control of individual industrial enterprises and their managements. The business environment poses threats to a firm or offers immense opportunities for potential market exploitation.

Business has to adapt to its environment to ensure survival. The role of business is crucial and involves that it is an important institution in society, it supplies of goods and services, creation of job opportunities and contribute to the economic growth of the country among others. Hence business survival should be ensured, as its success transforms to better economy and standards of living of workers and the society around. The environment includes technological environment, international environment, economic, political, natural environment and social or cultural environment.

There is symbolic relationship between business and its environment and among the environmental factors. Generally, business is influenced by its environment to certain degree and it will influence the external forces. These environmental forces are dynamic. They keep on changing as years roll by, so does business. A particular business firm, by itself, may not be in a position to change its environment, but along with other firms, business will be in a position to mould the environment in its favor.

The benefits of environmental study include the development of broad strategies and long-term policies of the firm, development of action plans to deal with technological advancements, to foresee the impact of socio-economic changes at the national and international levels on the firm’s stability, analysis of competitor’s strategies and formulation of effective countermeasures and to keep oneself dynamic.

The environmental analysis process involves four sequential processes namely scanning, monitoring, forecasting and assessment. Scanning involves general surveillance of all environmental factors and their interactions. Monitoring involves tracking the environmental trends, sequences of events, or streams of activities. Forecasting is concerned with developing plausible projections of the direction, scope, and intensity of environmental change. Assessment, tries to answer questions such as what are the key issues presented by the environment, and what are the implications of such issues for the organization.

Importance of business to adapt to its environment

(a)   To meet Business Goals

If the business adapts to its environment it will be able to meet its business goals. Business goals include profit making, growth, power, employee satisfaction and development, quality services and products, market leadership, joy of creation and service to society.

If the business understands the culture around it, it will be easy for it to operate at a profit because after adapting to the environment it is now easy to strategies way s of conducting business profitably. The business can now afford to separate activities that lead to profit generation from other products. The business can be able to compete for market share for its products and services.

For the achievement of every goal, the business has to adapt to the business environment it operates. If a business is not achieving its goals then its very unnecessary to operate especially if it cannot achieve profitability for a long time. Hence managers should quickly understands and adapt to the environment.

(b)   Enhances Decision Making

Understanding the works of the economy is a means to an end of improving decision making. The decision makers should therefore analyse the economic environment and how it acts as an external constraint on the decision making process. This involves understanding both the micro and macro environments and quickly adapting to the environments.

Adapting to the political environment will also aid decision making. This involves organisation making decision that are in line with the current political environment. Due to the power of politics an organization that fails to comply with such laws and regulations is likely to be punished to the extent of losing operating license. This is very crucial especially to organization in the export sector, banking sector and mining sector. These sectors attract a lot of attention as they derive the economy through linkages.

Understanding the cultural environment also helps in decision making environment. Adapting will mean that as the company advances its products and operations should make sure it does not violate the norms of the society as it risks losing support. If the form diverts from society tastes and preferences its products may be rejected in the market and hence losses are likely to arise. The R&D department should research thoroughly for innovation to be in line with society cultures.

(c)    Product Development

When a firm needs to develop its products it is highly recommended for it to have adapted to its environment. Products and services should be developed in line with the cultural environment in place, legal or political mandates as well as economic bindings. For example in the clothing industry each culture has its own type of clothing and it will only be profitable to develop and sell those type of clothes related to the cultural environment. Even if the business decides to update their products version, it still should be acceptable culturally. This only possible when the business has adapted to the environment and understands it.

Most importantly, adaptation to the political environment is necessary for product development. Firms should develop those products that are legally acceptable. This is only possible if the business understands its political environment and quickly adjust to adapt to the environment. This is very crucial to the services offered by various non-governmental organizations.

(d)   Staff Motivation

Firms usually recruit the bulk of its employees from the local market. So it is wise that the business understands and adapt to its environment. The cultural dimension is the most important in this case, managers should understand the cultures that governs the local people and hence strategies how best to work with them.    Managers should not blame their workers for the behavior related to their culture rather should aim to transform or shape their skills to suit business standards. The political environment should also be taken into account for staff motivation, this refers mainly to the way managers choose to motivate its workers, it should not go against what is legal in those times.

(e)    Competition

For firms to compete in the markets they should understand and adapt to the business environment. There is no way they can effectively compete without understanding the business environment. This ensures long term survival of the business. Addressing of barriers to entry can be effected by organizations that have adapted to the political environment.

(f)    Investment and Business Growth

Efficient investment and business growth are some important factors that cause businesses to adapt to their operating environments. Economic environment is very crucial in this case especially for foreign investors. Foreign investors should adapt to the economic environment in order for them to effectively explore business opportunities  and ensure growth. Mining and transport sectors are good examples in this case.    

Conclusion

Adapting to business environments is a crucial to the survival of business. It is very crucial especially for foreign managers to quickly adjust and adapt to the environment they operate. This will enhance their leadership style and be a good leader. The business manager should avoid using the wrong approach to a certain environment which is suitable for another environment. This means that managers should be flexible and willing to learn whenever they join new locations. With increased globalization the business environment has become too complex. Managers and business should not be

This paper aims at formulating a coherent and systematic jurisprudence of the environment based on the Islamic revealed knowledge and heritage. The latter reflects the practical experience in the field and, therefore, forms the ground for a positive relationship with the environment. Within the Islamic world-view, this positive relationship is perceived as an act of faith which comes in line with the essential role of human beings on earth; to worship the one and only God. Therefore, our relationship with the environment should be regulated in the field of jurisprudence.

In addition, the paper explores how the Islamic world-view takes care of the different components of the environment, each separately. Finally, there is a discussion of the aims [maqasid] of the Shari’ah, where the aims are reconsidered. The Epistemological Framework:     Islam is considered a comprehensive way of life whose teachings cover, directly or indirectly, every possible human relationship including that with the environment. These teachings are primarily available in the revealed knowledge which comprises the Qur’an and the Sunnah. There remains two other sources, namely the Ijma’ and Qiyas; they are dependent on the first two in different ways and degrees. The relationship is so complex that cannot be represented in this paper for brevity. It is discussed, however, in books of Usul al-Din.

In what follows, some of the verses that define the epistemological parameters of the Qur’an are considered. One verse, at the beginning of Surat Al-Baqarah, presents the Qur’an as a book of guidance:

“This is the Book; In it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear God” (Qur’an, 2:2)

Moreover, Allah [S.W.T] shows that the Qur’an encompasses the foundations for knowledge and ethics, He says:

“…Nothing have We omitted from the Book…” Qur’an, 6:38

In addition, the Qur’an announces that Islam, as a Din, has been perfected by Allah [S.W.T]. It is considered a comprehensive way of life which accommodates every aspect of it. The Islamic world-view is established upon the very notion of Islam as a perfect religion:

“…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” Qur’an, 5:3

It is no wonder, in the light of what has been discussed above, that a jurisprudence of the environment is founded. This paper presents all aspects of the environment from within the Islamic world-view, an not as something alien to it.

Jurisprudence [Fiqh] vs. Philosophy of the Environment:

This paper chose jurisprudence (fiqh) over philosophy for many reasons. The first reason is that “philosophy” is a term borrowed from the western world-view and therefore remains, until today, not welcomed in Islamic consciousness. Philosophy is still associated with sophistry and metaphysics which hampers its ability to bring about favorable behavior. Fiqh, on the other hand, is a accepted and associated in Islamic consciousness with the lawful and the prohibited in human behavior. Therefore, it is more capable of modifying behavior positively.

Furthermore, once this subject is accepted as part of jurisprudence, it becomes, relatively speaking, easier to include as integral part of the books of Fiqh, and in school curricula. This may facilitate the spread of environmental awareness, which is part and parcel of Islam. The Categories of the Relationship Between Human Beings and the Environment: 1. Vicegerency (Khilafah):     The human being, in the Islamic world-view is considered a vicegerent (khalifah). This vicegerency is declared before the creation of the first human being:

“Behold, your Lord said to the angels: “I will create a vicegerent on earth.” They said: “Will place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? While we do celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy (name)?” He said: “I know what you know not.”" Qur’an, 2:30

In her/his capacity as a vicegerent, the human being is perceived as the trustee of the earth. She/he is not supposed to cause corruption in any form on earth (i.e. the environment). Life on earth entails great responsibilities. It is a test with accountability. It is followed by either reward or punishment. These meanings are mentioned in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Vicegerency as a test is found in the following verse:

“It is He who has made you (His) vicegerents, inheritors of the earth: He has raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He has given you: for your Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” Qur’an, 6:165

On the other hand, this vicegerency is subjected to observation:

“Then We made you heirs in the land after them, to see how you would behave!” Qur’an, 10:14

The same message is implied in the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah, [S.A.A.S.]:

“Verily, this world is sweet and appealing, and Allah placed you as vicegerents therein; He will see what you will do. So, be careful of [what you do in] this world and [what you do to/with] women, for the first test of the children of Israel was in women!”[1]

It is rather clear, now, that the Islamic world-view indicates that vicegerency on earth forms a test which includes how human beings relate to the environment. Is it going to be based upon divine instructions, or based upon personal desires and conjectures that might lead to the destruction of our environment. If the latter condition prevails, then vicegerency will be entrusted to a different people or generation. This possibility of this kind of switch is understood from the following two verses:

“…Call in remembrance that He made you inheritors after the people of Noah…” Qur’an, 7:69

“And remember how He made you inheritors after the ‘Ad people and gave you habitation in the land…” Qur’an, 7:74

The declaration of the institution of khilafah, which Allah [S.W.T] has informed the angels about, was reinforced by the verse that shows that Allah [S.W.T] has taught Adam the ‘names’ (asma’) of all things:

“And He taught Adam the nature of all things…” Qur’an, 2:31

This discussion leads us to realize that there is an organic connection between proper knowledge and right behavior. Indeed, knowledge becomes a tool that renders humanity morally responsible. Ibn kathir said in his exegesis, regarding the above verse, the following important statement:

“The right (interpretation) is that He taught him the names of all things: their particulars, attributes and functions”[2]

Therefore, vicegerency is based upon knowledge that enables the human being to be a care taker of the environment in which he/she dwells. Humanity should behave in such a way that would maintain the balance that exists within the environment. Rather, I should say to retrieve the balance that has existed before we have caused, collectively, many ecological disasters:

“And the earth We have spread out; set thereon mountains firm and immovable; and produced therein all kinds of things in due balance.” Qur’an, 15:19

2. Subjection (Taskhir): The earth is made available for human use, without abuse or misuse. The circle of things available for the benefit of humanity is much greater than that of the environment. There are numerous verses in the Qur’an that could be cited in this respect, but it suffices to mention three of them:

“And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth: behold, in that there are Signs indeed for those who reflect.” Qur’an, 45:13

“Do you not see that God has subjected to your (use) all things in the heavens and on earth. And has made His bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, (both) seen and unseen?” Qur’an, 31:20

“He has made subject to you the Night and the Day; the Sun and the Moon; and the Stars are in subjection by His command: verily in this are Signs for people who are wise.” Qur’an, 16:12.

There are other verses that point to the temporal nature of the subjected elements. The reason behind highlighting the temporality of things is to remind people of the Hereafter. It is hoped that once people are conscientious of the limitation of life on earth, they will behave in a positive and constructive way. As a result, it is anticipated that the environment itself will benefit from the proper behavior of people. That the cosmic order and natural phenomena ultimately come to an end, is reflected in this verse:

“…He has subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law)! Each one runs (its course) for a term appointed. He does regulate all affairs, explaining the Signs in detail, that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.” Qur’an, 13:2

The subjection of the elements that make up the environment is spoken of in many chapters of the Qur’an:

“It is He who has made the sea subject, that you may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender., and that you may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and you see the ships therein that plough the waves, that you may seek (thus) of the bounty of God and that you may be grateful.” Qur’an, 16:14.

“It is God who has created the heavens and the earth and sends down rain from the skies, and with it brings out fruits wherewith to feed you; it is He who has made the ships subject to you, that they may sail through the sea by His command; and the rivers (also) has He made subject to you.” Qur’an, 14:32

“Then We subjected the Wind to his power, to flow gently to his order, whithersoever he