Editor’s Contribution

Abstract

“The business of business is business”, Milton Friedman replied, when asked what economics contributes to the welfare of society (Milton Friedman 1972). In his view, business contributes much to the welfare of society by producing goods and services, supporting economic growth and providing employment. But questions of finite planetary resources; climate change vulnerability; loss or reduction in biodiverse natural habitats; decrease in ecosystems services; drilling in the arctic; poor labour conditions in many markets; questions over human rights, accompanied by social unrest connected to infrastructure projects; and speculation in natural resources and soft commodities and the question of access to drinking water have brought new meaning to responsibility for business and the financial industry in particular.