emlyon business school and Carbon 4, a consulting firm specializing in decarbonization and climate change adaptation, is launching the “ Strategy in the Anthropocene "led by Thomas Gauthier. The establishment of this chair confirms the two organizations' strong commitment to developing original and effective methodological approaches that will equip leaders and executives to become the architects of the transition."

A New Approach to Strategy in the Anthropocene

Climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and soil degradation are symptoms of what the scientific community is likely to soon recognize as a new geological epoch. Its name: the Anthropocene. Its main characteristic: the emergence of humans as the primary force of change on Earth, at least as powerful as geophysical forces. For the first time in its history, humanity is facing the limits of its natural and biophysical environment.

For a company, this unprecedented situation will lead, in the short or medium term, to structural changes that are sometimes drastic and, above all, difficult to predict, not only its immediate business environment, but also, more broadly, the socioeconomic system in which it operates (changes in behavior, the restructuring of value chains, and shifts in social norms and institutions). To anticipate and prepare for these transformations, traditional approaches are no longer adequate. They primarily consist of extending or modifying historical trends (“business as usual”) and often prove to be short-sighted and overly compartmentalized. Furthermore, while the low-carbon transition is a collective challenge facing all organizations, such approaches do not allow for the identification of potential avenues for collaboration among them, even though this is essential.

The Main Focus Areas of the New “Anthropocene Strategy” Chair

The chair established by emlyon business school and Carbone 4 “Strategy in the Anthropocene” aims to help develop a framework and a method for strategic thinking designed to address the challenges of the Anthropocene and planetary boundaries, intended for businesses. In practice, this will involve:

• Driving a doctoral-level research around the strategic leadership and the formation of coalitions in the Anthropocene,
• Make it as widely available as possible accessible research findings and approaches to strategic thinking in the Anthropocene through publications (scientific papers, articles for professionals, books) and events,
• Design and test a educational program aimed at enabling theacculturation and the professional development of professionals and students, and then go even further to devise and implement strategies that are up to the challenges of the Anthropocene.

The sponsor of the Carbone 4 chair is Laurent Morel, a partner at the firm, who for several years has been applying his leadership experience to initiatives that help companies chart a robust transition path. Laurent Morel is also the President of the French Institute for Building Performance, an alliance of economic stakeholders committed to implementing the means for a realistic and ambitious energy transition in the commercial building sector. He serves on the board of the think tank The Shift Project.

He is accompanied by two representatives from the Carbon 4 Chair: Jacques Portalier, Senior Manager, and Romain Grandjean, Manager.

ISABELLE HUAULT, CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND PRESIDENT OF EMLYON BUSINESS SCHOOL

“Environmental issues are a major strategic priority for emlyon. We are delighted to launch this Chair in partnership with Carbone 4, which reflects our full commitment to these vital issues for the planet. With the “Strategy in the Anthropocene” Chair, we are breaking new ground, just as we have done in integrating environmental themes into all courses taught at emlyon.”

LAURENT MOREL, PARTNER AT CARBONE 4

“To contribute to the transition, companies need more than ever to envision and understand what their role might be in an uncertain future—one that is consistent with environmental constraints. Carbone 4’s mission is to help them do just that. Significant methodological work is underway, and this research chair, established in partnership with emlyon business school, will serve as its catalyst.”

THOMAS GAUTHIER, PROFESSOR AT EMLYON AND HOLDER OF THE “STRATEGY IN THE ANTHROPOCENE” CHAIR

"The Anthropocene calls for a radical shift in strategic thinking and action; companies must adopt new approaches to perceiving and making sense of the world to come, so that they can better transform themselves and help build 'livable' worlds."

Press Contacts

KBZ Corporate for emlyon:
Laurence Martin - lmartin@kbzcorporate.com - 06 47 69 85 99
Karine Zimeray - kzimeray@kbzcorporate.com - 06 09 15 65 14

Carbon 4:
Romain Grandjean, Head of Partnerships and Public Affairs - romain.grandjean@carbone4.com

More information about the chair