Why Companies Need to Work with Millennials for Social and Environmental Change (Videos)

Millennials may be the saving grace of a world that appears to be slow responding to the social and environmental challenges we face. August 12 was International Youth Day and to commemorate the occasion here is a post that looks at the role of business in helping young people and millennials in particular, to be advocates of change.

Young people have the greatest stake in the future of our planet and they are showing that they are interested in engaging in the difficult work of transforming our world for the better.

The United Nations General Assembly endorsed International Youth Day in December 1999. The theme of International Youth Day in 2016 is, "The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production." As explained on the UN:

Republicans Opposing Trump Say he is Dangerously Unqualified to be President

An unprecedented number of Republican insiders have indicated that they cannot bring themselves to support Donald Trump even if he is their party's Presidential nominee. Some have said they will vote for Hilary Clinton, others have opted to leave the GOP altogether.  Republicans who refuse to endorse Trump include past presidents, governors, senators, representatives, experts and aides.

The reasons for the exodus should be obvious to all. Trump regularly incites political violence and is a serial liar, rampant xenophobe, racist, misogynist and birther who has repeatedly pledged to ban all Muslims.

Make no mistake about it the GOP is not a victim of Trump, they created this monster through their own failed strategies. Trump was conceived through their pandering to the basest aspects of the American electorate. They are responsible for the outrage at government due to their legislative obstructionism.

Republicans had been flirting with racism for a long time. The election of Barack Obama appears to have sent older white Americans over the edge. They see their power being diluted by people of color and progressive ideologies. Rather than assuage their insecurities, and usher them into the modern world, Trump stokes the fires of fear.

Glory Eclipsed by Shame at the Rio Summer Games: A Social and Environmental Review of Brazil

As host of the XXXI Olympiad Brazil is being put under a microscope, revealing a contrasting patchwork of accomplishments and failures. From the lead-up to the games to the present, there has been an ongoing barrage of seemingly unceasing Olympic scandals. These improprieties include widespread corruption. Most recently the head of the Kenyan track and field team was caught on video seeking a fee in exchange for letting athletes know when they can expect their drug tests.  This is one small facet of an Olympic games where glorious achievements have been overshadowed by deplorable social and environmental conditions in the host country.  

Below you will find a comprehensive review of the glory and the shame of the Rio Summer games.

Major Floods Highlight Climate Impacts

A spate of recent deadly flooding is focusing attention on climate threats. Climate models predict more floods associated with global warming.

As reported by the Weather Network,

"As the earth's climate changes, fatal floods seem to have become an increasingly prevalent threat."

According to a report from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction floods accounted for 30 percent of the world's top ten deadliest natural disasters in 2015. The economic cost are also substantial. Floods are the most expensive natural disasters in the US. Since 2005, The US insurance industry has paid out an average of $3.5 billion each year for flood claims.

The Zika Pandemic: Mosquitoes and Climate Change

Climate change is a destructive force that is behind a host of civilization disrupting phenomenon and we can add the Zika virus and other mosquito born diseases to the list. The director of the WHO warned that Zika is "spreading explosively." Hot and humid weather associated with climate change is expanding the range of mosquitoes and the length of mosquito season. We have already established a link between climate change and diseases like malaria and Lyme Disease. Zika is also expected to increase in a world plagued by climate change. The Aedes aegypti is the type of mosquito that is the primary cause of Zika transmission, they thrive in temperatures above 50°F or at humidity levels above 42 percent. It is also believed that A. albopictus mosquitoes are also able to transmit Zika.

AASHE Conference & Expo 2016

This event will take place on October 9-12, 2016 in Baltimore. More than 400 sessions, workshops and events to choose from. AASHE's educational program covers the higher education sustainability community's most relevant and timely topics - providing leadership and change agency needed to institutionalize sustainability in higher education. In each session, top thought leaders offer insights that will inspire, motivate, energize and empower campus leaders to advance sustainability in higher education and beyond. Attendees can also exhibitors with innovative products & services in support of your sustainability goals. This conference includes the sustainable Campus Competition which offers sustainability professionals at higher education institutions a chance to win $50,000.

Event - Sustainable Supply Chain Summit Europe

The 11th Annual Ethical Corporation Sustainable Supply Chain Summit Europe will take place on October 20 - 21, 2016 at Grange Tower Bridge in London UK. Industry-wide supplier collaboration for long term sustainable solutions. At this summit attendees can learn how to drive supplier collaboration and create a bigger positive impact for stakeholders. This is Europe's premier meeting place for supply chain, sustainability and procurement professionals - 150 attendees to learn how to drive collaboration and go deeper in their supply chain.

This year's summit is bringing the best, the most innovative and inspiring brands in supply chain excellence with 3 main themes on driving supplier collaboration, working with procurement and managing risk beyond 1st tier.

Sustainability Comparisons Between Rio 2016, the Sochi Winter Olympics and the Brazilian World Cup in 2014

The Rio Summer Olympics do not compare favorably to the Sochi Winter Olympics and the Brazilian World Cup in 2014. This is a damning indictment given that Russia's Sochi games were colossally corrupt. Sochi clearly illustrated that Putin's promise of green games was little more than a farce and an Olympic sized example of greenwashing.

There have been protests against the Rio games across Brazil but they are much smaller than the protests against the World Cup in 2014. At that time there was a popular outcry against an expensive sporting event while the country struggled with widespread poverty and inequality. The same criticisms are warranted in the case of the Rio games.

Sustainability at the Rio Olympics: More Green Promises More Green Lies

Olympic games are becoming increasingly environmentally sustainable, at least on paper. Once again this year's Olympic games are touted as being the greenest games ever. In fairness, making such a massive event environmentally sustainable is a truly herculean undertaking.

Over the last twenty years there have been a number of efforts designed to make the games more green. In 1996, the Olympic Charter was amended to recognize the environment as the third pillar of Olympism. This was followed by clearly defined policies associated in the IOC's Olympic Movement's Agenda 21.

Brazil's Corruption, Socioeconomic Woes and Political Intrigue Overshadow the Olympics

The scourge of corruption has embroiled Brazil in a morass of complex political intrigue. Brazil's economy has contracted by 3 percent this year and although the country is in a deep recession, it is still the world's fifth largest economy. Brazil's difficulties extend far beyond serious fiscal hardships, the nation is also rife with sexism, racism and human rights abuses.

In May of this year Brazil's President was suspended after holding office for less than six years. Despite pulling millions of people out of poverty, a majority of Brazilian senators voted to launch an impeachment trial against President Dilma Rousseff. She is the country's first female President and her government swore in 15 female ministers. Rousseff is a 68-year-old economist and she was removed amid allegations that she broke budget rules and manipulated economic data.

Decreasing the Cost of Being Cool: Saving Money Energy and the Climate

Air conditioners consume vast amounts of electricity and the warmer the world gets the more energy will be required to keep cool. Energy use is directly related to both costs and emissions that cause climate change. While heating and transportation are commonly acknowledged for their power demands, air conditioning (AC)is another important piece of of responsible energy management.

The data is clear, the world is getting hotter. In a growing number of places staying cool is not only a matter of comfort it is increasingly a matter of survival. As the heat associated with climate change intensifies life will become impossible without some form of cooling. In places like the Persian Gulf temperatures have already exceeded 160 Fahrenheit.

Climate Action and the Binary Choice between Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump

When it comes to climate and the environment, the DNC made it abundantly clear that the Democratic ticket is a far better choice than the Republican alternative. Despite what some are saying the Democrats are the only choice. However, Trump's lies and ignorance are being bolstered by misrepresentations from the left.  At the DNC speakers praised Hilary Clinton's support for climate action and they lauded the most progressive Democratic platform in the party's history. This is in stark contrast to the Republican National Convention, the GOP's platform and Donald Trump's own words.

Event - Renewable Energy World International Conference 2016

This event will take place on December 13 - 15, 2016 at the Orange County Convention Center (North and South Halls) in Orlando Florida.

Renewable Energy World International (formerly Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America) has a proven track record as renewable energy’s leading conference. Featuring insightful discussions and presentations during technical sessions related to technology, markets, business strategies and policy covering the wind, solar, biomass, hydro, geothermal, ocean/tidal/wave, biopower, bio-fuels hydrogen and energy sectors. There has never been a better time to be a part of the exciting, ever-growing world of renewable energy. This conference offers a unique opportunity to network with thousands of experts about the technologies and trends on the forefront of the renewable industry’s future.

Event - BSR Conference 2016: Be Bold #BSR16

This event will take place November 1-3, 2016 at the Grand Hyatt in New York, New York. The BSR Conference brings together sustainability leaders and practitioners to build the business of a better world. Now entering its 23rd year, the BSR Conference is one of the world’s most influential sustainability events. This year’s Conference theme—BE BOLD—is a rallying cry for businesses addressing the toughest issues our time. The challenges of building a sustainable future are immense, and will require collaborative, innovative thinking from all sectors of society.

"We the People": Obama's DNC Speech Reminds the Nation about the Meaning of Democracy

When President Obama addressed those gathered at the DNC he put forward a vision of America that was in stark contrast to Donald Trump's dark festival the week before. He explained that his administration pulled the country out of recession, decreased the deficit, saved the US auto industry, created 15 million jobs, brought unemployment rate to an 8 year low, and provided health care for millions who could not afford it. However, he did not use the occasion to sell his presidency. Instead he defined the meaning of democracy. He reminded his countrymen what it means to be American. He crushed Trump's nihilism and explained why he was passing the torch to Hilary Clinton.

Why the Bernie or Bust Movement Gets it Wrong

It is easy to understand the frustration of the politically disenfranchised, however, supporters of the Bernie or Bust initiative are a danger because they feed into the raging inferno of disaffected Americans. However inauthentic, this narrative has been hijacked by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. This is the narrative that enabled him to become the GOP's presidential nominee. Feeding this beast at this point will only embolden those who employ the politics of division and empower those who preach hate.

Bernie Makes the Case for Unity (DNC Speech Excerpts)

Bernie Sanders delivered a powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) that not only endorsed Hilary Clinton's bid to be the next president of the United States, he delivered a logical rebuke to his supporters who refuse to back Hilary. From the economy to climate change Bernie makes its clear that Hilary is the better choice. He also speaks to the importance of this election and warns us against Democrats who are threatening to stay away from the ballot box this November.

Here are some excerpts from Bernie Sanders' speech at the DNC:
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Air Pollution Linked to Cognitive Impairment: A Review of the Research Evidence

A growing body of research demonstrates that air pollution affects the brain and causes cognitive deficits. When inhaled, fine particulate matter has been shown to be bad for your heart, lungs and brain. While we have known that air pollution compromises cardiovascular and respiratory health since the 70s, the connection with impaired cognition is a more recent discovery. Inhaled fine particulate matter crosses the blood brain barrier and adversely affects neurons. The research clearly demonstrates that the neurotoxicants contained in air pollution causes neuroinflammation, which can lead to neurodegenerative changes including diminished cognitive performance.

As reviewed in a 2012 paper titled "Smog in our brains," published by the American Psychological Association, the evidence linking air pollution to diminished cognitive abilities is mounting.

GOP Platform Augurs Environmental Destruction and Runaway Climate Change

The 2016 Republican platform is an environment destroying climate killer. Party delegates voted to adopt the GOP platform at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland last week. If the GOP manages to fool the American electorate in November the environment will suffer and climate change will hurtle past irreversible tipping points. In addition to some archaic views on LGBT “conversion therapy,” the Republican platform ignores climate change while advancing policy positions that are harmful to the environment. This document defines the party’s official principles and cements their anti-science reputation. This is not just a matter of ideological differences, the Republican platform is utterly disconnected from even the most rudimentary appreciation of science. Worse still they are knowingly deceitful in their pursuit of self serving political gain. Fossil fuel funded lies have come to be the backbone of party policy. If Republicans take the White House, their platform could very well end civilization as we know it.

Event - The New Energy Future: Webinar and White Paper

This one hour webinar will take place on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time. Brought to you by Energy Manager Today this webinar with Edison Energy will help you make sense of the changing energy future . In this webinar energy experts will discuss the results of a comprehensive study showing how the energy world is changing at an unprecedented pace, the challenges that brings, and how companies are prevailing. If you are unable to watch the webinar live register anyways and you will be forwarded a followup email with links to the slides and the recording.

The energy world is changing at an unprecedented pace. The way large organizations acquire, manage and use energy is dramatically different today than it was ten years ago. And ten years from now, it will likely be different still, as technology, regulatory and business model innovations continue to yield new opportunities for energy management. So how will we power the world of tomorrow? What kinds of business models will prevail?

Trump Promises to Kill Climate Action in RNC Speech: The False Flags of Fear and Division

As the Republican National Convention drew to a close Donald Trump delivered a speech in which he made it clear that he will dismantle US efforts to address climate change all while exacerbating its cause. He wants to get rid of environmental regulations and expand the domestic production of fossil fuels. Here is a succinct analysis of climate and environment related remarks made by Trump during his acceptance speech at the RNC on July 21, 2016.

Corporate Sustainability in 2016: The Rise of the CSO

Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) enable businesses to reduce their costs by being more efficient, build social capital by being more responsible and earn more revenues by offering products and services that customers find socially or environmentally attractive. There are also a host of ancillary benefits including enhanced employee recruitment and retention. One of the most cogent reasons why businesses are getting serious about sustainability has to do with risk mitigation. Sustainability helps to insulate a firm from the legal and business threats that include new regulatory environments and possible supply chain disruptions due to things like extreme weather or resource scarcity.

Climate Avoidance, No-shows, Discord and Nepotism Mark the Start of the Republican National Convention

As an omen of what is to come, the Trump motorcade had an accident on the way to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. A Trump presidency would not only be calamitous for the economy it would likely push us past climate tipping points. Trump has indicated that he will double down on fossil fuels and this means that if Trump wins we all lose. 

There continues to be determined focused resistance to Trump's Presidential bid from almost all quarters of American society. The small but growing number of Republicans who accept climate science will not be at the convention along with a surprising number of others. Trump has little support from Hispanics, blacks, millennials and women.

Event- IUCN World Conservation Congress 2016: Planet at the Crossroads

This event is about defining the path to a sustainable future and it will take place on September 1 - 10, 2016 in Hawaii. The theme of this year's event is "planet is at a crossroads." The ecosystems that underpin our economies and provide us food and water are collapsing. Species are becoming extinct at unprecedented rates. Our climate is in crisis. This is all happening on our watch. So what is the world doing about it? The answer is: a whole lot, but not enough and not nearly fast enough.

Trump's Pick for VP Fails to Secure Support from the Koch Brothers (Videos)

The Republican presidential nominee's choice of VP suggests that the Trump camp may have been hoping to secure support from conservative Christians and the Koch brothers (David and Charles). Earlier this week Donald Trump unceremoniously revealed that Michael Richard "Mike" Pence as his pick for his Vice Presidential running-mate.

Pence is a climate denier and supporter of dirty energy who has sat in the House of Representatives where he amassed an anti-climate and anti-environment voting record.  He has been the governor of Indiana since 2013 where he has been a vocal critic of the Clean Power Plan.

Climate Polls Give the GOP Cause for Concern

Polls show that Republican voters have a small but growing interest in climate change and this may prove to be a troubling trend for the party. The GOP is now synonymous with being apologetically irrational on environmental and climate issues, but it was not always this way. The anti-science policy stance of Republicans and disagreeable disposition of a large part of their base, are relatively recent phenomena. Less than 2 decades ago there was no difference between Republicans and Democrats on the subject of climate change. Over the last 20 years the GOP has gradually allowed corporate interests, especially the fossil fuel industry, to gain control over party policy. The GOP's corporate servitude effectively excised science from the policy making process.

Climate Change and the US Presidential Election of 2016

The impending catastrophe of climate change demands urgent attention from world leaders. This is particularly true of the leader of the wealthiest and most powerful nation on Earth. This makes the US election of 2016 the most important election in American history and arguably in the history of the world.

Never before have so many lives been at stake nor have we ever faced this kind of global threat. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently stated that a quarter of a million people are being killed each year due to climate change. Others suggest that number is much higher. What is clear is that the death toll is destined to get far worse.

Leadership is desparately required as we approach what could prove to be civilization's final days if we fail to act.

We must quickly move forward with national action if we are to have a chance of staving off the worst impacts of climate change. What happens in the US this fall will reverberate around the world. Failure to vote for a leader who will engage climate action will have global repercussions. It will very likely move us past tipping points from which we will not be able to recover.

A Guardian survey indicates that one in five voters in the US are frustrated by the inadequacy of climate focus in the US presidential campaign. They complained about Republican climate denial and the failure of Democrats to make climate change a top tier campaign issue (although as evidenced by the new Democratic platform, there is good reason to believe that this may be changing).

Democrats Adopt Climate Amendment to the Democratic Platform

On Saturday July 9 Democrats agreed to the most aggressive plan to combat climate change in the history of the party. This plan includes putting a price on carbon, methane and other greenhouse gases. It calls for massive investment in renewable energy, limiting fracking and forced disclosure of fracking chemicals. Finally, the platform calls for intense scrutiny of fossil fuel pipelines, the same kind of scutiny that cancelled the Keystone XL.

Decades of Hot Data: The Harbingers of an Impending Climate Catastrophe

It is hot and getting hotter. The evidence for global warming is growing with a long string of successive global heat records. The hottest months, the hottest seasons and the hottest years are stacking up. While individual weather records should not be confused with climate decades of temperature data convincingly make the case for a warming world.

Hot weather forces people to acknowledge our changing climate. Unlike CO2, heat is tangible and accessible to all even those that are unfamiliar with or unmoved by the reams of climate research.

Event - International Conference & Exhibition on Clean Energy

The 5th International Conference & Exhibition on Clean Energy (ICCE 2016) will take place on August 22 -24, 2016 at the McGill University New Residence Hall (Formerly Renaissance Hotel) in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. ICCE 2016 provides a platform for researchers and scientists to share their research work while the participants from industry can promote their products . This is an excellent opportunity for the delegates from universities and institutes to interact with the their colleagues. ICCE 2016 is an opportunity to network with some of the world’s leading scientists, and to experience the vibrant culture and to explore the natural wonders of Montreal.

Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 Smart Car (Video)

Rolls-Royce has built a new concept car that is the embodiment of the future of high-end design. In addition to all the performance and design elements one would expect, the car boasts both a virtual chauffeur and a virtual assistant. The automaker is looking to own the electric ultra-luxury car segment but it has encountered its share of difficulties along the way. In 2011 a vehicle called the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE) also known as the 102EX was launched. This was Rolls-Royce's inaugural journey into zero emission electric power-trains. The 102EX was sent to the MIRA research facility in Warwickshire for a series of tests. The car then went on tour in Asia, North America and the Middle East. However, the project came to a screeching halt after potential customers complained about the cars lack of range and other issues.

BMW Celebrates a Century of Automaking with its Sustainability Vision (Video)

To celebrate its 100th anniversary BMW has released an all-electric futuristic vehicle called the Vision Next 100 sporting saloon. Although BMW struggled with some early battery pack issues, the high-end automaker is determined to be an electric vehicle leader. In 2013 BMW announced that it would make PHEV versions of its entire lineup. BMW's early efforts, the i3 and i8 did not win universal approval, nor did the MW X5 eDrive SUV. However this brand new high-tech prototype may prove to be irresistible to critics and consumers alike.

Two Down and Two to Go: Half of Canada's Tar Sands Pipeline Proposals Stymied

The prospects for new Canadian fossil fuel pipelines are looking increasingly bleak. The election of the federal Liberals under Justin Trudeau marked a new day, and a new more rigorous and open approval process for Canadian pipelines. This is in stark contrast to the approach of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. His dream of ferrying tar sands oil through pipelines may be dying along with his political career.

The Folly of Canadian Fossil Fuel Subsidies

Canadian subsides to the fossil fuel industry amount to $2.7 Billion US ($3.6 billion CDN) a year. Much of these subsidies come from tax breaks. A report from Oil Change International says that $1.6 billion US of those subsidies came come from the federal government with the rest covered by the provinces. As reported by the BBC, Canada spends more on fossil fuel subsidies than any developed nation except the US. To explore exactly where that money goes click here.

Now is the Time for Carbon Pricing in Canada

The low price of oil make this an ideal time to put a price on carbon. Putting a price on carbon is one of the most powerful and far reaching actions Canada (and other governments) can take to reduce emissions is to enact national carbon pricing. In fact this was listed at the top of policy recommendations by the Sustainable Canada Dialogues report. Carbon pricing incentivizes competitiveness by making operations more efficient and more lean management and practices.

In a Wall Street Journal post last year, economist Margaret Walls argued that low oil prices make this an ideal time to implement carbon pricing. "[A] carbon tax might help to avert some capital investment decisions that would lock in higher emissions," she said.

Canadian Renewable Energy: Federal and Provincial Government Policy Initiatives

Prior to the election of Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party, Canadian provinces were forced to go it alone as the ruling federal Conservatives under Stephen Harper focused on fossil fuels at the expense of renewable energy. Harper's Conservatives actively thwarted climate action on the international stage.  While the Harper government made emission reduction pledges, there was no way that their policy position could not possibly have delivered on these promises.

Accelerate the Declaration of Independence from Fossil Fuels

This is an Independence Day unlike any that have preceded it. For the first time in history the world has signed a global climate agreement that will add significant pressure to end our dependence on fossil fuels.

However, we need to expedite the transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable sources of energy. This is a great time for Americans to declare their independence from dirty sources of energy and begin working towards a future free of fossil fuels. Two hundred and fourty years ago, US colonies freed themselves from the injustice of British rule, now America needs to free itself from the tyranny of fossil fuels.

Event - CR Reporting & Communications Summit 2016

The 10th Annual CR Reporting & Communications Summit will take place on October 20 - 21, 2016 at the Grange Tower Bridge in London, UK. At this Ethical Corporation event attendees can:

• Engage Stakeholders.
• Identify Business Risks.
• Prove the Financial Value of Sustainability.

The CR Reporting & Communications Summit is Europe's leading conference for CSR, Sustainability, Reporting and Communication professionals looking to improve their sustainability reporting and communications strategy. Featuring 20+ expert speakers and 18+ interactive sessions.

Event - Growing Sustainable Communities Conference

The 9th Annual Sustainable Communities Conference will take place on October 4-5, 2016 at the Grand River Center, 500 Bell Street, Port of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa.

This is the largest and longest standing sustainability conference in the Midwest. There will be more than 25 workshops, three mobile tours, two keynote luncheons, a breakfast plenary session, a networking reception and dozens of vendors and exhibitors.

Review of Canadian Climate and Energy Policy (Videos)

Eco-conscious people had something to celebrate during this year's Canada Day festivities. After a decade of failed climate leadership the country is undergoing a radical transformation, thanks to new federal government and a changing global environment. Canada has much to be thankful for, not the least of which is the demise of oil obsessed Stephen Harper's climate and environment destroying federal government. After being elected in November, 2015, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal party's December Throne Speech made it clear that they intend to deliver on their raft of climate and environmental promises. It became clear that their promises were more than just words when the Liberals released their budget.