As our planet shows increasingly obvious signs of stress, consumers are more concerned about their impact on the environment and governments are moving toward greater regulation. Coupled with challenging economic times, it can seem a daunting setting for business.

This week Wal-Mart Canada will host some of Canada’s top executives, non-profits, and government leaders at the Wal-Mart Green Business Summit Vancouver.

There are two primary concepts driving the summit. The first is that by demonstrating the business case for more environmentally sustainable business practices, businesses will see that green should not be seen as a new set of restrictions, but rather a world of opportunity.

The second concept focuses on collaboration, the idea that we must all share green knowledge. Sustainable practices must be the baseline all businesses start from. The summit aims to initiate some of that process.

In many ways, some nonprofit organizations and governments have led the way. They are doing great work and have huge amounts of knowledge, but mainstream changes must be driven by business. With the planet in environmental crisis, consumers are demanding action. Governments are under pressure to regulate.

Whether we like it or not, I believe we are looking at a new business paradigm: Those who see only restriction and regulation will falter and fail, and those who see a new world of opportunity, efficiency, and profit will flourish. The business landscape is changing so rapidly it is not enough simply to react- it is critical we anticipate the trends.

I am excited about the Wal-Mart Green Business Summit. At such an pivotal time, I hope it creates an opportunity for Canadian businesses to begin making some profound changes.

View a previously written post by Mouli Cohen about sustainability