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France Supply Chain calls for a rethink of the supply chain in the face of climate challenges thanks to a design fiction workshop
In the face of growing climate disruption, France Supply Chain by Aslog is calling for a far-reaching transformation of supply chains, well beyond decarbonization alone. To achieve this, the association mobilized a wide range of supply chain players over a period of 1 year to draw up 6 prospective scenarios capable of generating strategies for adapting to climate risks. After a further year of in-company deployment, this tool has enabled us to identify genuine levers for adaptation, resilience and regeneration. It has also made it possible to mobilize expert and operational teams at all levels within companies, the key to raising awareness and bringing about sustainable transformation.
Building rather than predicting
For a year, France Supply Chain mobilized a group of players (manufacturers, distributors, logisticians, researchers, consultants) around a strategic question: what needs to change today to continue operating tomorrow, and to continue existing the day after tomorrow? The result is "HORIZON 2040*", an immersive workshop based on rigorous foresight research. It proposes 6 scenarios, embodied by artifacts or objects from a plausible future, to provoke concrete awareness.
"These heat waves and floods are no longer anomalies: they are becoming our reality. That's why we need to stop suffering and start acting collectively. Adapting our Supply Chains is not an option, it's a survival strategy." Yann de Feraudy, President of France Supply Chain
2040: Everyday uncertainty
By 2040, the supply chain sector will be facing daily uncertainty, exacerbated by the consequences of climate change. Projections for lethal heat stress are alarming. According to the IPCC, 30% of the population is currently exposed. This figure is set to rise to 48%-76% by 2100, depending on the evolution of climate scenarios.
The financial impact is also significant. The European Central Bank (ECB) is warning that, at current rates, the costs of climate-related disasters could reach 5% of Eurozone GDP by 2030. This warning is intended to alert decision-makers to the short-term economic risks involved.
Under these conditions, supply chains will have to operate in an environment characterized by high instability and constant pressure on infrastructures, including :
- Resource shortages including drought / water stress
- Climate conflicts
- Rising temperatures
- Flooding / rising water levels
- Flooding
- A loss of biodiversity
- Storms and high winds
Some of this future is already here. Companies need to prepare for it, starting today.
Thinking beyond decarbonation
Reducing CO₂ emissions remains essential. But current events involving fire-related transport disruptions, destabilized cold chains or overheated warehouses show that decarbonation alone is no longer enough.
We need to rethink our supply chains in a context of profound adaptation:
- Sobriety in energy and materials.
- Circularity of resources.
- Robust logistics models.
- Integrating the living world into decision-making.
- Transforming management and working conditions.
- Collaborative ecosystems.
Faced with intensifying perils, a wait-and-see attitude is a major risk. France Supply Chain calls on companies to adopt a proactive stance and co-construct Supply Chains adapted to the climatic and ecological realities of tomorrow.
The future can't be taken for granted. It is built.
* This game is a France Supply Chain by Aslog trademark, registered with INPI and available only to members of the association.
About France Supply Chain by Aslog
For more than 50 years, the France Supply Chain association has been pursuing its mission of bringing together companies, business schools and research organizations to innovate, share best practices and provide concrete solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Think and Do Tank, with over 450 member companies and schools, 800 active members involved in our projects, and an audience of 7,000 players, we promote exchange and collective action for a more robust and responsible Supply Chain. As of January 2025, the association' s public-interest activities will be carried out by the SUPPLY CHAIN 4 GOOD endowment fund, starting with projects to decarbonize and sustain our Supply Chains.
Press contact: Marie-Laure Laville - MLD Consulting - Tel: +33 (0)6 18 14 85 36 - mllaville@mldconsulting.fr
