6.2

Environmental and ethical issues

Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies (0450)  · Unit 6: External influences on business activity  · 10 flashcards

Environmental and ethical issues is topic 6.2 in the Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies (0450) syllabus , positioned in Unit 6 — External influences on business activity , alongside Government economic objectives and policies and Business and the international economy.  In one line: Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

This topic is examined in Paper 1 (short-answer questions, built around a pre-released case study) and Paper 2 (extended case-study analysis).

The deck below contains 10 flashcards — 6 definitions and 4 key concepts — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.  Use the 6 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.

Key definition

'sustainability' in the context of business

Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Example: a logging company using reforestation practices ensures long-term timber availability.

Questions this Environmental and ethical issues deck will help you answer

Definition Flip

Define 'sustainability' in the context of business.

Answer Flip

Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Example: a logging company using reforestation practices ensures long-term timber availability.
Definition Flip

Explain the term 'carbon footprint'.

Answer Flip

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by our actions. Businesses can reduce their footprint by using renewable energy sources or implementing energy-efficient practices.

Key Concept Flip

What are two benefits of recycling to a business?

Answer Flip

Recycling can reduce waste disposal costs and improve a business's public image.

Example: a restaurant that recycles its glass and paper waste can attract environmentally conscious customers.
Key Concept Flip

Describe one method of effective waste management.

Answer Flip

Effective waste management includes reducing waste at the source through efficient production processes, reusing materials where possible, and implementing robust recycling programs. This minimizes landfill waste and resource consumption.

Definition Flip

Define 'ethics' in business.

Answer Flip

Ethics in business involves adhering to moral principles and values in business decisions and actions. An example of ethical behavior is paying fair wages to employees, even if not legally required.

Definition Flip

What is 'Corporate Social Responsibility' (CSR)?

Answer Flip

CSR is a business's commitment to operating in an ethical and sustainable manner, considering its impact on society and the environment. It often includes activities like charitable donations and community involvement.

Key Concept Flip

Explain one advantage of a business acting ethically.

Answer Flip

Acting ethically can improve a business's reputation and brand image, leading to increased customer loyalty and sales.

Example: a clothing company known for ethical sourcing may attract customers who value fair labor practices.
Definition Flip

What is 'Fair Trade'?

Answer Flip

Fair trade is a trading partnership that promotes equity in international trade. It ensures that producers in developing countries receive fair prices for their goods, helping them to improve their living standards and invest in their communities.

Key Concept Flip

Explain how pressure groups can impact a business.

Answer Flip

Pressure groups can influence a business by lobbying for changes in business practices, organizing boycotts, and raising public awareness of ethical or environmental issues. This can impact sales and brand reputation.

Definition Flip

Define the term 'sustainable development'.

Answer Flip

Sustainable development aims to meet current human needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It focuses on environmental protection, social equity, and economic growth.

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6.1 Government economic objectives and policies 6.3 Business and the international economy

Key Questions: Environmental and ethical issues

Define 'sustainability' in the context of business.

Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Example: a logging company using reforestation practices ensures long-term timber availability.
Explain the term 'carbon footprint'.

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by our actions. Businesses can reduce their footprint by using renewable energy sources or implementing energy-efficient practices.

Define 'ethics' in business.

Ethics in business involves adhering to moral principles and values in business decisions and actions. An example of ethical behavior is paying fair wages to employees, even if not legally required.

What is 'Corporate Social Responsibility' (CSR)?

CSR is a business's commitment to operating in an ethical and sustainable manner, considering its impact on society and the environment. It often includes activities like charitable donations and community involvement.

What is 'Fair Trade'?

Fair trade is a trading partnership that promotes equity in international trade. It ensures that producers in developing countries receive fair prices for their goods, helping them to improve their living standards and invest in their communities.

More topics in Unit 6 — External influences on business activity

Environmental and ethical issues sits alongside these Business Studies decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.

Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers

These are the official Cambridge 0450 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.

environment sustainability sustainable development pollution carbon footprint recycling waste management ethics ethical business corporate social responsibility CSR fair trade pressure groups

Key terms covered in this Environmental and ethical issues deck

Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.

'sustainability' in the context of business
Explain the term 'carbon footprint'
'ethics' in business
'Corporate Social Responsibility' (CSR)
'Fair Trade'
The term 'sustainable development'

How to study this Environmental and ethical issues deck

Start in Study Mode, attempt each card before flipping, then rate Hard, Okay or Easy. Cards you rate Hard come back within a day; cards you rate Easy push out to weeks. Your progress is saved in your browser, so come back daily for 5–10 minute reviews until every card reads Mastered.