At the time of writing this commentary, the Centre for Economic & Social Studies on the Environment at the University Libre du Bruxelles recorded some 3900 NGOs active in Europe alone, with many more outside Europe and others being added to the list almost daily.
This is in addition to the independent organisations committed to monitoring the effects that business has on the environment and the various governmental commitments made in support of world trade and its approach to sustainable development.
It is difficult to imagine any aspect of business that either is not, or will not soon, be monitored by a highly articulate, well-briefed group intent upon making business accountable. Clearly the general message is to be aware of the increasing groundswell of public opinion that seeks to influence corporate behaviour.
The World Wide Web provides a rich and increasing source of information on all aspects of sustainable development. For example http://www.ulb.ac.be/ceese/meta/sustvl records some 158 web sites dedicated to sustainable development issues ranging from 'Address of SD organisations' through to 'Yellow Mountain Institute for sustainable living'. New and well-informed sites are opening almost daily. It may be helpful to maintain a watch on the various pages as they relate to your company.
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