Event - 2014 International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

2014 International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability will take place on 22 - 24 January 2014 at the University of Split, Split, Croatia.

Conference participants are given the opportunity to interact, converse, and learn from each other. Built in to the conference program are a number of sessions and events that are designed specifically to promote interactions among the on-site members of the knowledge community. These range from more formal plenary sessions, through parallel presentations, to informal coffee breaks and optional activities. Some of these, like Talking Circles and Garden Sessions, may be new experiences for participants.

Event - Great Lakes Bioneers Chicago: Celebrating Community Resilience

Great Lakes Bioneers Chicago will take place on November 1-3, 2013, at Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago. This conference is a local, self-organized group of National Bioneers, which now is in its 24th year. Last year's inaugural Chicago gathering presented visionaries from diverse disciplines related to environmental, social and justice issues. This year's program promises to be even more inspiring than 2012.

Great Lakes Bioneers Chicago’s mission is to promote sustainable community that fosters life-giving relationships, nurtures connections, and celebrates solutions for restoring and healing Earth’s communities. They employ a number of strategies to fulfill their mission including:

Educating the community on innovative solutions. Offering a systemic framework, i.e. a way of “connecting the dots” that is holistic, systemic, and multi-disciplinary. Linking individuals and networks in order to foster connection, cross-pollination, and collaboration of people and ideas, all focused on positive change. Advocating for opportunities to heal and restore our damaged and depleted community. Being an oasis of hope that sparks mass creativity and engagement.

Event - Annual Sustainable Florida Conference and Awards: Working on the Green Sustainability Summit

The Annual Sustainable Florida Conference is titled Working on the Green. This Sustainability Summit is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, 2013, beginning at 8:30 AM. The Best Practice Awards Luncheon is at 12 noon. This exciting program features several of Florida’s sustainability leaders in an informal setting that will educate, inspire and facilitate your first steps.

Video - Richard Branson on the Need to Protect the Arctic

In this video, Richard Branson, explains why we all have to do everything within our power to protect the Arctic.

Video - The Arctic is Under Threat from Shell and Gazprom

The fossil fuel companies Shell and Gazprom have ambitious plans to exploit the Arctic's oil and gas reserves. Scientists have made it clear that to avoid the worst impacts of a hot planet (ie 6 degree temperature increase) we must leave the vast majority of carbon reserves underground. Arctic drilling increases global warming and imperils Arctic ecology. We know that drilling for oil and gas inevitably leads to spills. To make matters worse Gazprom's old and outdated drilling equipment present an elevated level of risk. Drilling in the Arctic will devastate the region's fragile ecosystem which is already suffering from a warming world.

Video - This is What a Corroded Underwater Tar Sands Pipeline Looks Like

This video footage of Enbridge's 60-year-old tar sands pipeline under Lake Erie has been publicly documented on film for the first time. This pipeline runs across the Straits of Mackinac, in the Great Lakes. In July, 2013, NWF contracted divers to obtain footage of those pipelines as a way to better understand the integrity and placement. What the video evidenced revealed was shocking. The pipelines are suspended over the lake bed on corroded supports some of which have fallen apart altogether. Other sections of the pipelines are covered in large piles of unknown debris.

Video - Green Chemistry and the Business of Providing Consumers with Safer Sustainable Materials

Green chemistry is growing in prominence in response to environmental concerns associated with traditional chemistry. Nowhere is this impact being felt more than in the area of finding replacements for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This video offers the latest science on the way forward using green chemistry's ability to create innovative, healthy and sustainable products. It specifically shows how companies can grab market share by responding to growing consumer interest in safer, sustainable materials.

Innovation in the Low Carbon Energy Economy

The competitive advantage afforded by innovations in low carbon energy is a powerful incentive driving adoption by both governments and businesses. With world energy consumption expected to grow by 40 percent over the next twenty years, companies that are capable of quickly scaling innovations in low-carbon technologies will reap substantial rewards.

Low carbon energy, efficiency and other climate related businesses, offer significant benefits as evidenced by historical revenue data as well as future predictions. In 2009 these industries generated $530 billion and by 2020 they are expected to surpass $2 trillion.

Asian Policies for the Low Carbon Economy and Renewable Energy

Energy demands in Asia are expected to double by 2030, which makes the low carbon economy, and renewables in particular, vital to growth in the region. Led by progressive government policies that support renewable energy, Asia, including China, India, Korea, and Japan, are some of the fastest growing renewables markets in the world.

China is the world's most competitive nation when it comes to renewable energy. Their policy position on renewables is second to none. However, while China gets most of the press, there are other nations in Asia that are also crafting supportive polices and seeing substantial growth.

2013 Low Carbon Competitiveness Index: US Falling & China Rising

According to the Climate Institute/GE Low-Carbon Competitiveness Index released earlier this year, The US is not in the top ten. France leads the index, followed by Japan, China, South Korea and the UK. Since 2009 this index has been ranking G20 economies that are best prepared to compete in a low-carbon economy.

One of the most notable trends in this report comes from the strong representation of Asian nations. China is particularly notable as they moved from seventh place to third place. Thanks to the nation's aggressive renewable energy initiatives, China is a low carbon global leader. Going forward China is expected to continue to be a leader in low-carbon and clean energy.

China's Economic Growth and Low Carbon Leadership

China's economy is growing along with the nation's efforts to combat climate change. The nation is an increasingly competitive leader in low carbon thanks to its renewable energy initiatives, sustainability efforts, and reductions in CO2 and HCFCs.

The latest economic reports out of China indicate that the country has increased its rate of growth. The Chinese economy grew by 7.8% in the third quarter of 2013 compared to a year earlier, the highest growth rate so far this year. Foreign investment in China rose to $8.8 billion (US), marking a 4.9% increase over last year. Manufacturing output recorded double-digit growth for the second month in a row, expanding by 10.2% in September. Credit Suisse expects the Chinese economy to grow by 7.6% in 2013 and 7.7% in 2014.

John Paul Selects: New Platform for Sustainable Products and Brands

John Paul DeJoria is the self-made founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems and many other successful businesses. He is an entrepreneur who believes in helping people who produce products that are less harmful to the environment.

On July 16th, 2013 in Los Angeles, the Green Business Bureau's Jamie Clem presented iconic entrepreneur DeJoria, with the Visionary Leader award (an award which is made in the USA from recycled glass).

The new "Fusion Distribution Solution" business model known as "John Paul Selects" is a unique distributor of sustainable brands. All of the sustainable products offered adhere to selection criteria which are focused on "Conserving an ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources." Each brand and product is carefully vetted based on a number of rigorous criteria.

Enter Environmental Leader's Product & Project of the Year Awards

On September 30th, 2013, Environmental Leader (EL) launched its second annual Product & Project Awards, a program which recognizes excellence and innovation, both in products and services that provide companies with environmental and energy benefits in the areas of environmental and sustainability.

Do you have an innovative product that improves energy management, waste management, water efficiency, supply chain efficiency, packaging, air quality, or any other area of energy and environmental management? Has your company (or client) implemented a successful project that reduced energy costs, improved supply chain sustainability, reduced waste sent to landfill, or made strides toward any other environmental or energy management goals?

The Koch Brothers and the Government Shutdown

After 16 days at a cost of 24 billion dollars Congress finally came to their senses. Now that Congress has passed legislation that reopens government until January 15, 2014 and extends the credit ceiling until February 7, 2014, many are asking questions about the forces behind this insane game of political chicken. Others are wondering if it will happen again in the new year. This article, written one week ago (October 9, 2013), explores the role played by the Koch brothers.
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Charles and David Koch are oil barons who have been accused of being behind efforts to shutdown government.  In a bid to keep America from transitioning away from fossil fuels the Koch brothers are leading a powerful cadre of conservatives in a coordinated strategy designed to subvert democracy. They have cultivated very close relationships with Republicans including GOP presidential candidates and they employ sophisticated methods of legislative control like ALEC. They have spent hundreds of millions of dollars to misinform the public and influence politicians. They have demonstrated considerable skill in the art of control and subterfuge.  One of their greatest accomplishments is their role in the creation of the “grassroots” movement known as the Tea Party.

Mightybytes Provides Resources for an Ecologically and Socially Responsible Online Presence

Mightybytes is a responsible resource that focuses on design and development, media and marketing, strategy and consulting. They are a Chicago-based creative firm that helps organizations of all types integrate smart strategy with good design, web technologies, and clever, engaging content to meet business and marketing goals.

World Bank on Human Rights and Climate Change

The World Bank Group is developing a new strategy focused on social equity and environmental sustainability. Under the leadership of Dr. Jim Yong Kim, the World Bank is working on a strategy that is focused on equitable and sustainable development including combating climate change and environmentally responsible investing.

The new strategy positions climate change as one of five cross-cutting themes. The institution's two new goals involve ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity by fostering income growth for the poor through the sustainable use and management of natural resources.

The UN Connects Human Rights and Climate Change

Climate justice is about human rights. A warming planet has implications for everybody but the poor are the most vulnerable. The Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2013 reiterated the findings of previous reports stating with even more scientific certainty that anthropogenic climate change will increase the frequency of extreme weather events, raise sea levels, exacerbate droughts, increase water shortages, and accelerate the spread of diseases.

Consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are morally and legally beholden to the world's poor. 

In an open letter to all Permanent Missions in New York and in Geneva, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay emphasized the responsibilities all States have to ensure full coherence between efforts to advance the green economy, on the one hand, and their human rights obligations on the other.

Infographic - Timeline for Cities to be Impacted by Climate Change

Source: The Independent

Profit Oriented Sustainability Guide for Small Businesses

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The "Small Business Guide to Increasing Profit by Putting People and Environment First" was developed by the Network for Business Sustainability and Funded by the TD Bank.

This practical guide on how to make money by becoming more sustainable provides an overview of how to cut costs, motivate employees, enhance reputation and increase sales – while helping the environment, employees, and the community.

The guide is broken down into two section, retail service and manufacturing and addresses with the following four areas:

GEMI Sustainable Supply Chain Tool: Free & Interactive

On October 10, 2013, the Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI) announced that it is creating a new tool to help businesses with supply chain sustainability and the procurement decision-making process. This complimentary tool will be an interactive and online, it is designed to help business prioritize supply chain processes and identify “hotspot” processes as well as opportunities for improvement. It is ideal for sustainability and purchasing professionals.

Event - Tar Sands Reality Check Tour (Ontario): Fossil Fuel Divestment and Climate Justice

The Tar Sands Reality Check Tour is the rallying call for fossil fuel divestment and the climate justice movement in Canada. The collective struggle against tar sands, pipelines, and the power of the fossil fuel industry has erupted into a global movement. In one short year, the fossil fuel divestment campaign has emerged to seriously turn heads at Canadian institutions. As the National Energy Board conducts its hearings on the Line 9B pipeline, the Tar Sands Reality Check tour will assess where the fossil fuel divestment movement is now, build strategy, and kick off the next phase of organizing.

Sustainable Development Goals to Follow Millennium Development Goals

Under the auspices of the UN, a new global sustainability initiative is taking shape. With the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) having wrapped up its work on September 20th and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set to expire in 2015, political leaders and policy makers are crafting a new development framework based on sustainability.

Cyclone Phailin Breaks Records

Cyclone Phailin is officially the strongest storm ever measured in the Indian Ocean and strengthened at one of the fastest rates ever recorded, going from a tropical storm to a category 4 cyclone in only 24 hours.

The speed at which Phailin intensified is known as Rapid deepening or rapid intensification. This is a meteorological condition that occurs when the minimum sea-level atmospheric pressure of a tropical cyclone decreases drastically in a short period of time. The National Weather Service describes rapid deepening as a decrease of 42 millibars in less than 24 hours.

Event - CR Reporting & Communications Summit

The Ethical Corporation is hosting a summit on CR Reporting & Communications on November 27 and 28 at the Regent's Park Marriott Hotel in Central London, UK. This event offers robust debate and in-depth, honest discussions with Heads of CR and Comms, and practical sessions on what matters to you the most.

This event will address the business value of a CSR disclosure strategy with real life examples from Heads of CR & Comms who will demystify the G4 guidelines.

Growth Strategies For Energy & Sustainability In 2014

Growth Strategies For Energy & Sustainability In 2014 will take place on November 12th 2013 at the Charing Cross Hotel, The Strand, London. This event is presented by Verdantix, it will address the growth prospects for the energy and sustainability market as the UK, Eurozone and US emerge from recession. How can the heads of energy and sustainability persuade the CEO and CFO to increase funding for their initiatives. These are crucial issues that leaders in the energy and sustainability market should focus on as they head into planning and budgeting for the 2014 financial year.

The Verdantix Summit will equip attendees with the data, insights and connections you need to power up your energy and sustainability strategies. It will discuss the drivers behind the market and link profitability with improved performance on energy and sustainability. It will also provide new perspectives on drivers of growth: energy supply risk, the rise of materiality, how ESG metrics impact valuation and CFO engagement.

Event - EIA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar

The Environmental Information Association (EIA) is holding its Fall 2013 Technical Seminar on October 18, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio Texas. This EIA event will feature Peter M. Tadin, Environmental Specialist, Environmental Hazards Group, Texas Department of State Health Services – presenting on the Texas State Lead Regulations.

Event - VERGE (San Francisco) Where Tech Meets Sustainability

VERGE San Francisco will take place from October 14, 2013 to October 17, 2013 at the Palace Hotel.

This event brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, and leading public officials to explore the opportunities for radical efficiencies created through technology advancements in energy, buildings and transportation.

Video - Blog Action Day 2013: Human Rights

In 2013 Blog Action Day will take place on Wednesday October 16. This global event will bring together thousands of bloggers from over a 100 countries to participate in a global conversation about Human Rights. At the Blog Action Day site you can get access to content and ideas to create your own post on October 16.

Video - Sustainable Meat: Trailer from the Documentary "American Meat"

American Meat, is a feature documentary about a grass-roots revolution in sustainable farming. This film explains how America arrived at its current industrial system, and shows you the feedlots and confinement houses, not through hidden cameras but through the eyes of the farmers who live and work there. The story shifts to the burgeoning movement of farmers, chefs and everyday folks.

Video Webinar - Sustainable Strategies: Selling Less and Making More

Video Webinar - Creating a Culture of Sustainability in Your Organization

To what extent is the appropriate organizational culture necessary to achieve your corporate sustainability objectives? Many scholars suggest that the pathway for achieving corporate sustainability is by creating a culture within their organization that values a sustainability framework from all aspects of the organization. It cannot be addressed by any single corporate action. Leading sustainability expert and author of Capitalism at the Crossroads, Stuart L. Hart, believes that when sustainability is viewed from the appropriate set of business lenses, leaders can create a culture to align their organization's strategies and people to improve performance and shareholder value. Join us to learn more about Hart's sustainability and strategy framework that helps leaders and organizations harmonize their concerns for the planet with their strategies for growth, innovation and profitability.

VProgram for Creating Value through a Sustainable Strategy

Professors Bob Eccles and George Serafeim talk about key takeaways from the program for creating value through a sustainable strategy.

For more information click here.

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Video - Winner Crosses Finish Line at the 2013 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

Watch the final moments of the grueling Bridgestone World Solar Challenge as the winning team for 2013 crosses the finish line in northern Adelaide, Australia. This 3000 kms event highlights some of the best solar powered car technology in the world.

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Reclaim Power! Global Month of Action on Energy

Reclaim Power: October 11 to November 11, 2013 - Be part of the global month of action on energy. 
 
NO to dirty and harmful energy!
YES to renewable energy for people and communities!

We face a planetary emergency and now is the moment to step up our efforts to transform our societies. The Earth’s climate is destabilizing and the planet is in crisis. Climate change is already harming our food and farms, oceans and fish, our access to freshwater. It is causing the increase in frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events that lay waste to lives, homes and livelihoods. 

Canadian Government Uses Security Agencies to Target Environmental Opposition

Canadian security agencies under Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper are actively involved in spying against environmental advocates who oppose the government's dirty energy agenda. A number of Canadian security agencies are involved including the RCMP, Canada's national police force, and Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Canadian security agencies have been closely monitoring the activities of environmental advocates which they characterize as a 'threat to national security,' according to the Guardian.

Documents reveal that police and security agencies describe green groups' protests and petitions as 'forms of attack.' Canadian security and police agencies equate terrorism and extremism with peaceful citizens exercising their democratic rights to organize petitions, protest and question government policies, said Jeffrey Monaghan of the Surveillance Studies Centre at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.

Canadian Energy Espionage in Support of the Tar Sands

Under Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canadian security agencies, particularly the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSEC) are actively involved in spying against the energy activities of foreign governments. According to heavily redacted documents obtained by the Guardian under the freedom of information act, the agenda for these meetings included "threats" to energy infrastructure, "challenges to energy projects from environmental groups", "cyber security initiatives" and "economic and corporate espionage".

Since 2005 the meetings between intelligence agencies and Canadian corporations are a biannual occurrence. They involve federal ministries, spy and police agencies, and corporate representatives. They are an opportunity for government agencies and corporations to develop "ongoing trusting relations" that would help them exchange information "off the record", wrote an official from the Natural Resources ministry in 2010.

Pipeline Explodes in Rural Oklahoma Underscoring the Dangers of Fossil Fuel Pipelines

A pipeline in rural Oklahoma (Harper County) ruptured at 11 p.m. on Tuesday October 8, causing an explosion with flames that went hundreds of yards in the air. The flames from the blast were visible up to 70 miles away. The cause of the explosion is still being investigated and there are no known reports of deaths or injuries.

Divestment from Fossil Fuels is Both Smart and Responsible

Spearheaded by 350.org's Fossil Free campaign, there is growing momentum to divest from fossil fuels. This movement is being driven by the understanding that if we are to have a hope of staying within the 2 degree C. upper threshold limit we must leave the vast majority of fossil fuels in the ground. Carbon Tracker’s latest Unburnable Carbon report indicated that 60-80 percent of fossil fuel reserves need to be left in the ground.

A New Study on the Fossil Fuel Industry and the Bursting of the Carbon Bubble

Try as they will, a new study indicates that fossil fuel companies cannot afford to ignore carbon concerns without risking severe damage to their reputation.  The study suggests that despite its inordinate financial power, the petrochemical industry cannot resist changing attitudes. As pressure grows for serious action on climate change we will see a substantial reduction in our reliance on hydrocarbons. This will inevitably drive corporate devaluations in the fossil fuel sector, a phenomenon known as the bursting of the carbon bubble.