SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN THE ERA OF CLIMATE CHANGE: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
Abstract
The global supply chain landscape is experiencing transformative change due to the escalating impacts of climate change, which disrupt traditional models and pose risks to supply chain resilience. In response, Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) has emerged as a key strategy that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations into supply chain practices. This paper explores the interdisciplinary convergence of environmental science and business logistics, highlighting how such integration can enhance supply chain adaptability and long-term sustainability. Using a comprehensive literature review, secondary data analysis, and relevant case studies, the study investigates the effects of climate disruptions on global supply chains and examines innovative SSCM practices such as green procurement, circular supply chains, and renewable energy integration. Findings demonstrate that companies adopting SSCM approaches especially those investing in clean technologies and collaborative environmental strategies are better equipped to mitigate risks and gain competitive advantages. Key case studies from firms like Unilever, IKEA, and Walmart underscore the practical benefits of sustainability-focused supply chains. Additionally, the role of digital transformation technologies such as blockchain, IoT, and predictive analytics is discussed as an enabler of traceability and transparency. This study concludes by providing actionable recommendations for both business practitioners and policymakers, while also identifying areas for future interdisciplinary research in SSCM, such as emerging technologies and regional adaptation strategies. The proposed framework emphasizes the need for systemic shifts in supply chain thinking to align with climate resilience and sustainability imperatives.
Downloads
References
Bag, S., Wood, L. C., Xu, L., Dhamija, P., & Kayikci, Y. (2020). Barriers to the adoption of big data analytics in supply chain management: An Indian perspective. Computers in Industry, 122, 103265. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2020.103265
Carter, C. R., & Rogers, D. S. (2008). A framework of sustainable supply chain management: Moving toward new theory. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 38(5), 360–387. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/09600030810882816
Chkanikova, O., & Mont, O. (2015). Corporate social responsibility and sustainable supply chains: The role of life cycle assessments. Journal of Cleaner Production, 103, 61-70.
Chopra, S., & Sodhi, M. S. (2014). Reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions. MIT Sloan Management Review, 55(3), 73–80.
Christopher, M., & Peck, H. (2004). Building the resilient supply chain. International Journal of Logistics Management, 15(2), 1-13.
Dubey, R., Gunasekaran, A., Papadopoulos, T., & Childe, S. J. (2017). Sustainable supply chain management: Framework and further research directions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 142, 1119–1130. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.10.030
Genovese, A., Acquaye, A. A., Figueroa, A., & Koh, S. C. (2017). Sustainable supply chain management and the transition towards a circular economy: Evidence and some applications. Omega, 66, 344–357. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2015.05.015
Gold, S., Seuring, S., & Beske, P. (2010). Sustainable supply chain management and inter-organizational resources: A literature review. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 17(4), 230–245. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.207
Govindan, K., Rajendran, S., Sarkis, J., & Murugesan, P. (2015). Multi criteria decision making approaches for green supplier evaluation and selection: A literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 98, 66–83. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.06.046
Ivanov, D. (2020). Predicting the impacts of epidemic outbreaks on global supply chains: A simulation-based analysis on the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2) case. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 136, 101922. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2020.101922
Johnson, M., et al. (2022). Integrating environmental science into supply chain management to mitigate climate-related risks. Journal of Environmental Management, 301, 113885.
Kleindorfer, P. R., Singhal, K., & Van Wassenhove, L. N. (2005). Sustainable operations management. Production and Operations Management, 14(4), 482–492. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1937-5956.2005.tb00235.x
Kumar, V., & Singh, R. (2021). Climate change impacts on global supply chains: A review of recent trends and mitigation strategies. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 13(1), 45-59.
Mani, V., Gunasekaran, A., & Delgado, C. (2018). Enhancing supply chain performance through supplier social sustainability: An exploratory study. International Journal of Production Economics, 195, 259–272. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2017.10.020
Moktadir, M. A., Ali, S. M., Kusi-Sarpong, S., & Shaikh, M. A. A. (2018). Assessing challenges for implementing Industry 4.0: Implications for process safety and environmental protection. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 117, 730–741. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2018.05.009
Sarkis, J. (2012). A boundaries and flows perspective of green supply chain management. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 17(2), 202–216. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/13598541211212924
Seuring, S., & Gold, S. (2013). Sustainability management in supply chains: An analysis of the literature. Journal of Cleaner Production, 56, 85-94.
Tang, C. S. (2006). Perspectives in supply chain risk management. International Journal of Production Economics, 103(2), 451–488. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2005.12.006
Tseng, M.-L., Chiu, A. S., Tan, K., & Chien, C. (2019). Circular economy and sustainable supply chain management: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 228, 882–900. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.303
Yadav, S., et al. (2023). Technology in sustainable supply chain management: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 59(2), 90-102.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.