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Forbes
15 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
AI And The Future Of Sustainability: Building Intelligence For Impact
Tourists watch the ecological patrol robot in Yuyuantan Park in Beijing, China, on April 23, 2025. ... More (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images) By Dr John Mullins, London Business School Artificial intelligence (AI) has long promised to revolutionize business. But as it moves from the margins of experimentation to the mainstream of industry, its most profound impact may not be efficiency or profit—it may be sustainability. Whether we're talking about decarbonizing supply chains, optimizing resource use, or navigating complex ESG reporting landscapes, AI is already reshaping how organizations engage with the urgent demands of sustainable development. The question is no longer if AI will influence our sustainable future, but how we will guide it to do so responsibly, inclusively, and at scale. As the world faces climate change, economic volatility, and mounting social inequality, AI could be the most powerful tool we've ever had for addressing systemic challenges—if we build and govern it the right way. AI for Economic Resilience In an era of constant disruption, resilience has become a competitive advantage. AI helps organizations build this resilience by enabling better foresight and faster adaptation. Predictive analytics, for example, allows businesses to identify potential risks—ranging from supply chain delays to climate-related hazards—before they materialise. Consider the agricultural sector. AI-driven models can analyse weather patterns, soil conditions, and satellite imagery to help farmers optimize crop yields and reduce water usage, mitigating the effects of drought and fluctuating climate conditions. In finance, AI can assess creditworthiness in underbanked communities using alternative data, expanding access to capital and financial inclusion. In supply chains, AI can reroute logistics dynamically in response to geopolitical conflict or environmental catastrophe—limiting economic losses and enhancing continuity. These applications are not merely operational improvements; they are strategic levers for long-term sustainability. Environmental Stewardship Powered by Data Environmental sustainability demands real-time, high-resolution data—and this is where AI shines. Machine learning algorithms can sift through massive volumes of environmental data, identify patterns invisible to human analysts, and offer actionable insights. Take energy optimization. AI systems can potentially balance grid loads, forecast demand, and even shift energy usage to periods of lower carbon intensity. Google, for instance, has used AI to cut energy used for cooling its data centres by up to 40%. Such improvements can be replicated across commercial real estate, manufacturing, and transport. AI is also proving critical in emissions tracking and reporting—two major pain points in ESG compliance. Startups are now using AI to automate carbon accounting, aggregating Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions data across complex supply chains. This not only improves transparency but builds trust with stakeholders and investors increasingly wary of greenwashing. AI's contribution to circular economy models—where waste is minimized, and resources are continually reused—is growing, too. It can track product lifecycles, anticipate obsolescence, and guide design choices that extend usability and reduce environmental impact. As regulators push for more sustainable production, such insights will become business-critical. Advancing Social Responsibility Beyond the environmental and economic, AI is also helping organizations act more responsibly on social issues. Natural language processing can detect harmful language patterns in online platforms, enabling faster action against hate speech or misinformation. In human resources, AI is being used to reduce unconscious bias in recruitment and to detect signs of workplace dissatisfaction before they become crises. AI also plays a vital role in improving accessibility—enhancing tools for the visually or hearing impaired—and in delivering essential services like healthcare or education to remote or underserved populations. However, it's in the overlap of these domains—social, environmental, and economic—that AI's most powerful potential lies. In sustainability, silos no longer serve us. AI's ability to connect disparate datasets across systems enables more holistic understanding, smarter decision-making, and coordinated action. The Governance Imperative Yet with great power comes significant risk. AI systems, if unchecked, can also reproduce or exacerbate social and environmental harms. Bias in data sets can reinforce discrimination. Poorly designed algorithms can overlook ecological consequences. And the compute power required to run advanced models—especially large language models—can result in substantial energy usage if not managed sustainably. That's why governance must sit at the heart of AI for sustainability. Organizations must develop internal ethical frameworks for AI development and deployment—ensuring fairness, explainability, and transparency in their models. Boards must demand oversight, and regulators must move beyond reactive enforcement toward proactive partnership with industry. Globally, we also need interoperable standards for sustainable AI—guidelines that account for carbon intensity, data sourcing ethics, and social outcomes. The EU's AI Act is a good start, but the real work will be in implementation: aligning incentives, educating users, and integrating sustainability metrics into performance evaluations for AI projects. Additionally, the lack of diversity in AI development teams remains a systemic barrier to equitable outcomes. If we want AI to work for all of humanity, then all of humanity must be represented in the labs, data sets, and decisions that shape its evolution. AI, Innovation, and Responsibility: A Balancing Act AI is not inherently sustainable or unsustainable. It is a tool—one whose impact depends on how we use it. This requires leadership with vision and integrity. Entrepreneurs, investors, and executives must ask harder questions: Is our AI innovation aligned with long-term societal needs? Are we measuring not just what AI can do, but what it should do? Encouragingly, many startups and corporations are beginning to take this seriously. Sustainability-focused AI startups are growing in number and influence. Venture capital funds are beginning to include ESG criteria in their due diligence. Multinational companies are creating Chief Sustainability Data Officer roles to oversee responsible AI integration. These are promising signs—but we cannot afford complacency. The dual challenge of advancing AI and achieving sustainability will define the next decade of business. Those who can navigate this complexity with authenticity and boldness will shape the future—not just of markets, but of society. Building Intelligence for Impact As AI continues to evolve, it must not be defined only by its technical sophistication, but by its real-world impact. If we succeed in aligning AI's trajectory with the goals of sustainable development, we can harness one of the most powerful tools of our era to build a future that is not only intelligent, but just, inclusive, and resilient. This is no small task. But it is the task of our time. Dr. John Mullins is Associate Professor of Management Practice in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. He is an award-winning educator, a three-time entrepreneur, and the author of four books on the creation, management, and financing of entrepreneurial ventures. His work focuses on helping business leaders navigate the intersection of innovation, growth, and impact.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Surviving The Next Shock: How To Fortify Your Supply Chain Now
A cargo ship loads and unloads cargo at the fully automated terminal of Qingdao Port in Qingdao, ... More China, on December 3, 2024. (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Global supply chains have driven decades of economic growth but are under unprecedented strain. Recent events exposed vulnerabilities created during a long period of stability ensured by a single superpower, the United States. These include Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, pandemic-induced factory shutdowns, and a new era of unpredictable tariffs. Executives need to rethink long-held assumptions about effective supply chain strategies. For decades, companies prioritized efficiency in their supply chains. The economics were compelling, but each efficiency increase created a silent loss in resilience. In an interview, Willy Shih, Baker Foundation Professor at Harvard Business School, told me, "We've had trade in this country since colonial times, and in the world all the way back to the Romans. Trade has always been driven by advancements in technology and communications." A technological revolution in shipping enabled the modern era of globalized supply chains. "What we've seen, especially since the late 1990s, is a vast expansion of the tradable sector enabled by container shipping," Shih said. "People tend to underestimate the importance of container shipping and the resultant expansion of the tradable sector because it is almost invisible." The business case for global trade after reduced shipping costs was compelling. Shih recalled his experience when China opened up: "I was in manufacturing in upstate New York, and it would cost me $80 to assemble a product that I could have assembled in Japan for $37, but I also could assemble it in China for $2.32. With labor costs 1/20th or less of those in the United States, I could throw 10 times as many people at a job and still be better off economically." The relentless pursuit of efficiency through offshoring relied on outdated assumptions about global stability and free benefits were undeniable: lower consumer prices, expanded product variety, and higher corporate profits. But these extended supply chains sacrificed resilience for efficiency, creating vulnerabilities that have become painfully apparent. Peter Zeihan, geopolitical strategist and author of The End of the World is Just the Beginning, argues that we've reached the end of this era. He contends that demographic decline, deglobalization, and geopolitical realignment are driving a fundamental restructuring of global supply chains. The global order enabling extended supply chains is fragmenting, and companies must adjust to this new reality. Recent disruptions have shattered the assumptions underlying global supply chains. Shih pointed to several examples: "When Houthi attacks shut down the Red Sea and we couldn't bring things through the Suez Canal; or for people living on the East Coast, when there wasn't enough rain in Panama so shippers couldn't bring as much through the Panama Canal; or during the pandemic, which took out 50 percent of global air cargo capacity because passenger flights were grounded." These disruptions exposed the fragility of a system optimized for cost and efficiency rather than resilience. The pandemic was particularly revealing. As factories shut down and shipping lanes became congested, companies discovered how little they knew about their supply networks. Many were shocked to find critical components from single sources they hadn't identified as vulnerabilities. Growing geopolitical tensions and rising protectionist policies are adding to these physical disruptions. Trade wars, tariffs, and export controls are creating new barriers to the free movement of goods. China's recent restrictions on critical minerals like gallium, germanium, and rare earths signal a world where access to strategic materials may be constrainedby political considerations. In this changed landscape, companies need to invest in resilience. What does that mean in practice? Here are five key strategies based on insights from Shih and Zeihan: "Number one, you have to understand where your vulnerabilities are. The scary thing is that people haven't learned their lessons from the pandemic," Shih said. This mapping isn't as straightforward as it sounds. Shih explained that our supply chains are built on a tiering system,exposing them to 'surprise dependencies.' "You need to know where there are sole source components, and a lot of that is just doing some research and figuring it out... You need to focus on the things that would really shut you down if you couldn't get access to them." Both Shih and Zeihan advocate for regionalization as a key resilience strategy. Shih stated, "It's time to think about how to regionalize production. The basic idea is to make things closer to principal markets: make in the Americas for consumption in the Americas; make in Europe for consumption in Europe; make in Asia, including China, for consumption in Asia." This doesn't mean complete reshoring to high-cost countries. Rather, it involves building regional supply networks that reduce exposure to global shipping disruptions while maintaining cost advantages. Zeihan argues that regionalization isn't just a choice but an inevitability as the global order fragments. Companies that build regional supply networks early will have an advantage as transportation costs rise and trade barriers increase. Traditionally, efficiency has been tied to scale, but resilience may require different thinking. Shih observed, "Our mentality has been to have efficient plants driven by scale, but this may no longer make sense. I think we need to figure out how to decrease the scale required for efficient production." This means investing in manufacturing processes that can operate efficiently at smaller scales. Advanced technologies like AI, IoT, 3D printing, and software-defined manufacturing can enable this transformation, making smaller-scale production more economically viable while providing enhanced visibility and control. Small-scale manufacturing has emerged in industries like shoes and tires. Resilience starts with product design. Shih explained, "Designing for resilience means understanding how we tend to spec things. Do we spec parts that come from a sole source? We need to ask whether we can spec parts that allow for more substitution." Sometimes this means paying more for flexibility. Shih points to Tesla's approach: "Tesla chose to use FPGAs [field-programmable gate array chips] instead of ASICs [application-specific integrated circuit chips], which are less expensive. If you choose an ASIC or custom chip, you have to have exactly the right one to plug in. With an FPGA, you get more flexibility, but each one costs more." He recommends companies "pay for resilience" in their designs. "Where it makes sense, spec more expensive or more general-purpose parts to give you more flexibility. That should be a design consideration." Disruptions rarely happen without warning. Companies need systems to track potential trigger events and identify early signals of supply chain threats. To detect changes, monitor transportation routes, political developments, and supplier health indicators. Technology creates visibility around these potential threats, allowing companies to act before disruptions escalate. It also means having contingency plans ready. 'Know your alternatives, and identify trigger points to activate these alternatives.' The era of global supply chains optimized solely for efficiency is ending. A new model is emerging - one that balances efficiency with resilience, recognizing that the lowest-cost supply chain may not be the most profitable when disruptions are factored in. In this new reality, supply chain strategy is no longer just an operational concern but a core strategic issue that deserves attention at the highest organizational levels. Those who prioritize resilience in their thinking will gain a competitive advantage in an age of increasing uncertainty.
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Forbes
Apple's iPad Steals Another MacBook Feature
Customers are experiencing the newly released iPad Pro and iPad Air at the Apple Store in Shanghai ... More (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Apple loves to blur the line between its tablet-focused and keyboard-focused hardware. The latest step to bring more of the Mac to the iPad comes in one of the most straightforward UI changes possible, but it will have a considerable impact. The upcoming iPadOS 19 is expected to be previewed at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference 2025 on Jun 9. Following the event it will go into a mix of private and public beta versions, before a public release in late September. One of the updated features will include a traditional menu bar. It will not be present at all times. Still, when an external keyboard is connected (such as Apple's Magic Keyboard), the menu bar will become an ever-present feature, pushing the platform further towards a laptop-like portable experience than a handheld tablet. That feeling will be boosted by changes to Stage Manager, Apple's tool to support multitasking on the iPad. The next version of Stage Manager—part of iPadOS 19—will offer more control and management tools for apps when a keyboard is attached. Apple continues to blur the lines between its tablet-based products and its desk-bound products. The tweaks to iPadOS allow that distinction to be blurred again, although only under the limited circumstance of a third-party keyboard connecting to the iPad. Apple continues to push the idea of a connected ecosystem, allowing files and information to move between hardware. What it is refusing, once more, is to offer that same synergy of software in its hardware. The Mac will always be bound to a desk, the MacBook will always be a laptop, and the iPad will always be an iPad. Now read the latest iPad, iPhone, and Mac headlines in Forbes' weekly Apple Loop news digest...
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Mild May nights deliver planets, Flower Moon, and the last meteor shower until July
Mild May nights will set the stage for a great month of stargazing with the cosmos offering a trio of astronomical sights including a planetary alignment and the last meteor shower until the dog days of summer. The tradeoff for the warmer weather at night is a longer wait until it becomes dark enough to see stars, planets and meteors. The summer solstice is fast approaching, meaning the Northern Hemisphere is starting to experience some of the latest sunsets of the entire year. By the end of May, sunset won't occur until around 9 p.m., local time, in cities such as Indianapolis, Seattle, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City. Here are the top astronomy events in May to mark on your calendar: Eta Aquarid meteor shower: May 5-6 Just two weeks after the Lyrids lit up the night sky, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower will peak on the night of May 5 into the morning of May 6 around the globe. This is the best meteor shower of the entire year south of the equator where 40 to 60 meteors per hour can be seen, while onlookers north of the equator may count up to 30 per hour. The Eta Aquarids is also the last major meteor shower on the calendar until the end of July when two peak simultaneously. Flower Moon: May 12-13 The full moon will rise one week after the Eta Aquarids, a lunar event linked to the many changes associated with spring. May's full moon is called the Flower Moon because plants and flowers are in full bloom during this part of spring across North America. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the name can be traced back hundreds of years to the Algonquin and Ojibwe peoples. A photo showering the landscape of "flowers in front of the moon and under the moon" at Yudu Park in The Yanhu District of Yuncheng City, North China's Shanxi Province. (Photo credit should read Yan Xin / Costfoto/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Other nicknames for May's full moon include the Frog Moon, the Egg Laying Moon and the Planting Moon. Moon, Venus and Saturn align: May 23 A planetary alignment will appear in the early morning sky just before the start of Memorial Day weekend with the crescent moon serving as the centerpiece. About an hour before sunrise on Friday, May 23, the moon will glow between Venus and Saturn in the eastern sky. All three objects will be bright enough to see without a telescope, although Venus will shine much brighter than Saturn. An encore will unfold the following morning, but instead of the moon appearing between the planets, it will be at the bottom of the alignment just to the left of Venus.
Forbes
27-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Three Reasons Universal's New UK Park Could Redefine Theme Park Retail And Dining
The announcement of Universal's ambitious new UK theme park — a vast entertainment resort set to ... More open near Bedford — is already sparking excitement across the leisure and retail industries. Yet beyond the headlines about Minions, dinosaurs, and secret agents lies a deeper opportunity: a chance to redefine how retail and dining live inside the modern theme park experience.(Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images) The announcement of Universal's ambitious new UK theme park — a vast entertainment resort set to open near Bedford — is already sparking excitement across the leisure and retail industries. Yet beyond the headlines about Minions, dinosaurs, and secret agents lies a deeper opportunity: a chance to redefine how retail and dining live inside the modern theme park experience. Today's consumers demand more than thrills. They expect storytelling, emotional connection, and memorable experiences at every touchpoint. With this new project, Universal has the chance to set an entirely new standard — not just for attractions, but for the total guest journey. Here are three reasons why Universal's UK park could become a global blueprint for the future of integrated retail and leisure. The global theme park industry is enjoying a strong resurgence. Attendance grew by 19% in 2023, ... More reaching over 410 million visitors worldwide. Yet visitor expectations have risen even faster. The global theme park industry is enjoying a strong resurgence. Attendance grew by 19% in 2023, reaching over 410 million visitors worldwide. Yet visitor expectations have risen even faster. It's no longer enough to deliver a memorable rollercoaster or a dazzling show. Today's guests expect every aspect of their visit — shopping, dining, transport, even wayfinding — to feel as immersive and emotionally engaging as the attractions themselves. Universal has already shown an understanding of this shift. Its newly launched Epic Universe park in Orlando showcases a new generation of retail: themed environments that continue the story beyond the ride exit. Guests can browse a wizarding arcade in 1920's Paris, adopt a dragon in a fantasy nursery, or explore a Mushroom Kingdom marketplace — with every item and environment deepening the emotional connection to the land. For the Bedford project, guests will arrive with these standards in mind. They will expect ... More Paddington Bear's London to extend beyond the ride queue into tea rooms and retail promenades. For the Bedford project, guests will arrive with these standards in mind. They will expect Paddington Bear's London to extend beyond the ride queue into tea rooms and retail promenades. They will expect James Bond's world to unfold not just in attractions, but in finely crafted merchandising experiences. The challenge — and opportunity — is clear: to create retail and dining spaces that feel as wondrous and essential as the rides themselves. It's a vision I've championed in many projects: a guest who is delighted before they even reach the first ride is a guest who is more relaxed, more engaged—and ultimately, more willing to explore, spend, and return. Universal's UK development has the advantage of learning from these successful templates. The ... More opportunity exists to create truly extraordinary experiences — perhaps a secretive Bond gadget emporium, a grand Lord of the Rings hall of artefacts, or a Minions-inspired chaos bazaar. At the most innovative theme parks today, dining and retail are no longer secondary spend channels — they are standalone reasons to visit. Universal's strategy at Epic Universe reinforces this point. Across its five themed lands, more than 30 dining venues and over 20 major retail locations have been designed not merely for convenience, but as immersive attractions in their own right. In Super Nintendo World, for example, restaurants and stores are integral parts of the narrative journey — offering moments of discovery and interaction, not simply transactions. In the Wizarding World, visitors linger in carefully detailed shops, each with its own layered story and exclusive products. Universal's UK development has the advantage of learning from these successful templates. The opportunity exists to create truly extraordinary experiences — perhaps a secretive Bond gadget emporium, a grand Lord of the Rings hall of artefacts, or a Minions-inspired chaos bazaar. When retail and dining are executed with this level of creativity and authenticity, they no longer feel like commercial interruptions. They enhance the guest journey, create new revenue opportunities, and become destinations guests actively seek out — and share. How Can Theme-park Merchandise Transform Beyond Typical Souvenirs ? Every touchpoint offers an ... More opportunity for storytelling. Train journeys could feature playful brand moments. Hotel corridors could tease the next day's adventures. Retail offers could evolve throughout the day, surprising guests with new layers of discovery. Perhaps the greatest potential lies in Universal's ability to design the entire ecosystem — from arrival to departure — without legacy constraints. The inclusion of a dedicated train station feeding directly into the resort signals a broader vision: one where the theme park is not a standalone site, but the anchor of a fully integrated leisure destination. Retail, dining, hotels, entertainment, and transport can all be woven into a seamless, emotionally engaging journey. The first moments — arriving at a bustling CityWalk-style district alive with music, street theatre, and immersive storefronts — could set the tone long before guests reach their first ride. Carefully themed dining and shopping experiences could extend the magic into the evenings, ensuring the energy and excitement never dip after park closing. Moreover, every touchpoint offers an opportunity for storytelling. Train journeys could feature playful brand moments. Hotel corridors could tease the next day's adventures. Retail offers could evolve throughout the day, surprising guests with new layers of discovery. In an age where experience is everything, Universal's UK resort can pioneer an approach where the journey feels truly continuous — not a sequence of isolated moments, but one connected, captivating narrative. Universal's investment in the UK comes at a pivotal time. Guests no longer separate shopping and dining from their overall satisfaction — they view the experience as a whole. Across my career, supporting some of the world's most recognised destination brands to helping design hospitality and retail experiences for major global operators, I've seen firsthand how the best-loved attractions today aren't defined solely by their rides. Done well, they will astonish guests, extend their immersion, deepen their loyalty, and strengthen every commercial outcome. Universal's new park has the rare opportunity to model that future — building an experience where every corner, every bite, and every souvenir carries the wonder and storytelling power that defines truly great leisure destinations. Retail and dining in theme parks should never feel like an after-thought - but part of the headline act.
