The State of Disunion

On January 30, 2018, Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address. He tried to sound optimistic and upbeat ignoring the dark cloud of the Russia investigation. However, all is not well in Washington, far from it. Trump has denigrated the presidency and many American institutions. In addition to being a climate denier, Trump is widely seen as racist, divisive, and erratic. More legislators boycotted his speech than any State of the Union address since Nixon.

While some suggested that Democrats should not stoop to the same level as Republicans, others have pointed out that we cannot afford to normalize Trump's behavior saying we must protest at every turn.

The Wave of Corporate Goodness

A wave of corporate activity is changing the traditional role of business. The often true cliche that businesses are singlemindedly preoccupied with profits is being challenged by a new more sustainable approach to business.  While the notion of responsible corporate conduct has been around for a while there is a new wave that goes far beyond the basic maxim "do no harm." This is about serving people, protecting the planet and turning a profit.

Most corporations know that there are multiple layers of value associated with corporate responsibility and a growing number are taking this one step further. They believe that philanthropy is the future of business. Consumers are increasingly making informed buying decisions and corporations are already leveraging their vast supply chains to demand change. It logically follows that those who do more will be able to bank goodwill and gain a competitive advantage.

Event - Goodness Matters Benevity Conference

The Goodness Matters annual Benevity conference will take place on February 6 - 8, 2018 in Palm Springs, California.  The occassion also marks Benevity's tenth anniversary.  At GM2018 corporate giving professionals will gather in sunny Palm Springs to learn and participate in discussions that will augur the next era of corporate goodness. From insightful talks to client showcases, product previews to fun networking opportunities.

Event - Global Pro Bono Summit

The sixth Global Pro Bono Summit will take place in Mumbai, on February 6 – 9, 2018 at the Auditorium Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vaastu Sangrahalya (formerly, Prince of Wales Museum), Fort, Mumbai.  This is an annual invitation-only gathering of leaders from across sectors and around the world who believe the talents and skills of the entire business community should be accessible to organizations serving our collective good. Their mission is to connect, mobilize and equip leaders in the pro bono movement from across the world. The Global Pro Bono Network exists to promote knowledge sharing, mutual support, and collaboration among pro bono provider. The pro bono network of professionals voluntarily provide a public service without payment or at a reduced fee.

Event - GreenBiz 18

GreenbBiz 18 will take place on Februry 6 - 8, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge. This is the premier annual event for sustainable business leaders. GreenBiz 18 will look at pressing challenges, emerging trends and big opportunities in sustainable business today.  GreenBiz offers forward-looking big picture ideas mixed with practical things you can take back to the office. Join the world’s brightest thinkers and most influential sustainability leaders . More than 1,000 sustainability leaders from the business world, academia and NGOs will be in attendence to learn about the latest trends, make new connections with suppliers and peers and bring back innovative, actionable ideas. Check out the list of more than 160  speakers.

Event - North American Community Foundations Summit

The inaugural North American Community Foundations Summit will take place on February 5 -6, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. This summit  will explore why and how the Sustainable Development Goals relate to the work of community foundations across North America.

This two day conference brings together community foundation leaders from the US, Mexico, and Canada to discuss shared challenges and opportunities for building more resilient and sustainable communities across North America. Discussions center around innovative approaches to challenges like poverty, inequality, immigration, economic development, climate change and more.

A Summary of Trump's Malfeasance and his Disastrous Presidency

Donald J. Trump is a climate change denier and the most destructive man ever to disgrace the office of the Presidency of the United States. His incessant lies, moral turpitude and rampant corruption are already legendary. Trump has been challenged by corporate America, scientists and the press, however, in a stunning display of dysfunctional partisanship, Republicans continue to support his presidency and as a consequence they have tied their fate to his. The midterm election in November is our best hope to stop this man and end this nightmare.

The Importance History and Status of Education as a Sustainable Development Goal

Education is a vital part of sustainable development which is why it is Goal 4 of the SDGs. This review of Goal 4 encompasses the importance, recent history and current status.

In addition to economic benefits investing in education pays lucrative dividends in a number of ways. Education empowers people to improve conditions for themselves and the communities in which they live. It enables them to meet the challenges they face and it helps them to steward their resources more efficiently.

Education has implications for political leadership and while most of this article focuses on poorer countries education is also important for some of the wealthiest nations on Earth. Education can help people to cast off the shackles of tyranny and it can help them to build representative democracies. It is also essential to the well being of existing democracies. As we have recently witnessed uneducated and uninformed electorates are easily deceived by those who preach the destructive politics of fear and division.

Trump Undermines Renewables to Help Fossil Fuels and Take Revenge on Cities and States that Oppose Him

Donald Trump is both an avid supporter of fossil fuels and an enemy of renewables. Trump is not only seeking to end climate regulations and environmental protections he is actively undermining clean energy. He appears to be targeting solar focused cities and states that oppose his presidency.

Job killer 

Trump is not just a climate denying, lover of fossil fuels, he has earned his place as a job killer. As reported in Time, Trump has decided to impose duties as high as 30 percent on all solar equipment made outside of the US. Although it will benefit domestic solar makers, it will slow the US solar industry as a whole. This will not only make imported solar panels much more expensive, it will also increase the cost of maintaining existing US solar infrastructure.

Climate Crisis Trumped by the Volatility of the US Commander-and-Chief

Climate change and environmental degradation are recognized as the most pressing issues facing humanity, however, these serious threats have been trumped by the man who now occupies the Oval Office. The first year of Trump's presidency has been a nightmare of Orwellian proportions. If the highly unorthodox commander and chief has convinced us of anything it is that he is capable of auguring events that are even more destructive than the climate crisis.

We have every reason to worry about the coming year.  As the Mueller investigation continues and the midterms loom Trump can be expected to ramp up his post-truth bombast. We have every reason to believe that he will become even more irrational as the noose of reality tightens around his neck. We are drawn to the terrifying conclusion that Trump's incompetence and his petulance are an even greater threat in 2018 than they were in 2017.

Workshop - Risk Mitigation in Renewable Energy Investments in Africa

A workshop on Risk Mitigation in Renewable Energy Investments in Africa will take place on January 29 – 30, 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Although US President Donald Trump has called Africa a "shithouse", the facts dispute his characterization, particularly as it relates to another topic he dislikes, renewable energy.

Africa is an ideal location for solar, wind, and geothermal. It is the sunniest continent on Earth and has a large coastline, where wind power and wave power are abundant. Geothermal power has the potential to provide considerable amounts of energy in many eastern African nations due to a 5,900-kilometer rift.

Event - Battery Tech Expo

This free event will take place on March 15, 2018 at the International Centre in Telford, UK. At this event you can explore the battery revolution alongside more than one thousand delegates. There will also be 60 pioneering exhibitors and 15 industry speakers.

The Battery industry is on the cusp of a power revolution with big technology companies investing heavily in the next generation of battery development and energy storage.The Battery Tech Expo UK runs 15th March 2018 at the International Centre, Telford in the West Midlands a major UK hub of the high tech industrial sector and will bring together professionals from across the advanced battery technology industry.

What Beef Producers Can Teach us About Communicating Sustainability

When it comes to communicating sustainability we need to employ simple narratives that are clear and compelling. Some of the most unlikely sectors of the economy can teach us a great deal about communicating sustainability. Beef producers have been the target of environmentally concerned people for decades. As a consequence, they have been forced to develop capable communication strategies.

The Stern Review is still Relevant 12 Years Later

The Stern Review assesses both climate impacts and associated economic costs. The review concluded that the benefits of climate action far outweigh the costs. Although this review was released in 2006 it remains true today.The Stern Review is a 700-page report on the Economics of Climate Change that has been cited more than 16,000 times. It was prepared for the Government of the United Kingdom by economist Nicholas Stern, chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics (LSE) and also chair of the Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy (CCCEP) at Leeds University and LSE. The report is one of the largest and most widely known studies of climate economics.

Fossil Fuels are at the Core of the Climate Crisis

At its core, the climate crisis is attributable to the burning of fossil fuels. To solve this crisis we must end our use of oil as a source of energy.  Weaning ourselves off of dirty energy and transitioning towards renewables is the only way we can move forward without inviting an apocalypse. We cannot afford to abide the subterfuge and mendacity of the fossil fuel industry. Long before Donald Trump was active on the national political stage fossil fuel companies were crafting their own alternative facts and subverting the truth.

The Green Market Oracle Recognized as One of the Best Green Business Sites on the Web

On January 16, 2018 The Green Market Oracle was ranked as one of the best green business blogs out of the thousands of similar sites located all around the world.  The Green Market Oracle along with more than a dozen other sites were singled out as part of the most comprehensive list of best green business blogs on the internet. The ranking was determined by Feedspot’s editorial team and expert review of the quality and consistency of posts. The ranking criteria focused on search and social metrics including Google reputation and Google search ranking, as well as influence and popularity on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. These sites were also assessed based on the quality and consistency of posts.

Smart Energy Event

The 14th Smart Energy Event will take place on Tuesday, April 24, to Wednesday, April 25, in Halifax, NS. Smart Energy is the #1 regional conference in the smart, clean & renewable sector. The 2018 event is about connecting today’s smart energy sector with smart solutions. The demand for smart energy is changing the face of regional markets and how businesses collaborate. At this event you will learn about how companies are responding to the opportunity. Company leaders will also share examples of clean energy technologies and solutions that are being deployed across Atlantic Canada today.

Event - BEST (Bettering Environmental Stewardship & Technology Conference)

Bettering Environmental Stewardship & Technology Conference (BEST)will take place on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 to Friday, May 11, 2018, at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler​ in Whistler, BC. The British Columbia Environment Industry Association's BEST Conference attracts environmental professionals every May for two days of technical sessions, networking opportunities, and a sponsor exhibition. Conference registration includes a welcoming reception, technical sessions, keynote presentations, an off-site networking reception, and all meals and coffee breaks.

Event - RECAM (The Central America and Caribbean Clean Energy Conference and Exhibition)

The Central America and Caribbean Clean Energy Conference and Exhibition will take place on March 6-8, 2018 at the Hilton Hotel in Panama City. This is RECAM's third year highlighting, and helping to take advantage of the enormous potential of the Central American and Caribbean renewable energy markets.

Three hundred and fifty senior-level decision makers from across the entire regional value chain will meet in Panama City seeking new partnerships, wind and solar innovations, micro-grid and storage technology, investment opportunities and regulatory updates that will reignite the Central American and Caribbean renewables sector after a year of stagnation. There will also be morning plenaries focusing on finance, project pipelines and government policy, and split focus afternoons.

Climate Mobilizer Backer Events

In January there will be two inaugural Climate Mobilizer Backer Events, one on January 14th and the other on January 25th. The first event is titled, Identity and Values and it will take place on Jan 14, 2018, at 5:00 PM ET. The second is called The "Strategy and Politics Call:" Taking City by City into 2018, it will take place on Jan 25, 2018, at 8:00 PM ET.  Mobilizer-Backers support the restoration of a safe climate. You also join a special community of people committed to making mobilization a reality.

Event - MO Summit: Creating the Next Economy through Positive Impact

The MO Summit will take place on March 22 - 23, 2019 in Asheville, NC. Also known as the "Inc 500 for Positive Impact CEOs", this event is about leaders that are creating the next economy. MO is an invitation-only, two-day summit convening top CEO’s who are scaling high-growth, positive-impact companies using the power and creativity of business.

Businesses are growing rapidly, achieving scale, and generating profits by creating solutions to the world’s pressing social and environmental issues. This is our momentum. Capitalism is our engine. Customer transactions are our opportunity. Profit and the pursuit of a better tomorrow are our purpose. Meet and hear from leaders building transformational companies and leveraging the engine of capitalism for great profits and great good. The Mo Summit provides a unique opportunity to have 1-on-1 meetings with leading mission-aligned investors including funds, family offices and individual investors. Find your MO-mentum at the MO Summit.

Trump is Unfit to Lead

Questions about Trump's fitness to lead go far beyond his temper and disinterest in formal briefings. Concerns about his mental health are not reducible to his slurred speech, or difficulty forming complete sentences. A tsunami of news reports, books and professional panel discussions have characterized Trump as volatile, impulsive and unpredictable. He is also known to suffer from mood swings. As reported in the Times trump is self-absorbed, lacking in empathy and prone to conspiracy theories. They also cite his "tenuous grasp of facts".

Trump was a Nightmare in 2017 and Not Just for the Environment

The election of Donald Trump on November 8, 2016, will go down in history as a tragedy of epic proportions. Trump is the most powerful climate denier the world has ever known but his ego driven incompetence extends far beyond environmental issues. Trump is making soothsayers out of those who anticipated America's decline.

As predicted Trump immediately went to work trying to end climate action in America. He has gutted environmental safeguards and protections. In total the Trump administration is working to kill more than 60 environmental regulations. Trump has also withdrawn from the Paris Climate Accord and killed the Clean Power Plan. His budget was nothing short of an open decaration of war against the environment.

Event - Sound Science and Sound Journalism in an Era of Fake News (Webinar)

This webinar will take place on Wednesday, Jan 31, 2018 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM EST. This sixty-minute discussion will explore how journalists conduct their research and investigations, confirm facts, ferret out false information and maintain a sound basis for their reporting.

This webinar is presented by Island Press in partnership with the Security and Sustainability Forum.  It will feature Carey Gillam, a veteran journalist, and author of Whitewash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer, and the Corruption of Science. Carey will be joined by Dr. Dana Barr, Environmental Health Professor at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health for a conversation on sound science and sound journalism in an era of fake news. The discussion will be moderated by journalist Paul Thacker and will be followed by a question and answer session.

Event - MiaGreen Expo and Conference

The 9th Edition MiaGreen Expo and Conference will take place on March 14 & 15, 2018 at the Miami Airport Convention Center, in Miami Florida. MiaGreen is the only event in the USA with a special focus on Latin American, Caribbean and USA markets at the same time, in a multicultural atmosphere that only Miami can provide. This year the event concentrates on key ENERGY related fields, and will explore how developments in solar, green building and cleantech have an impact on efficient and sustainable energy use.

US Corporate Climate Efforts in 2017 Offer Hope for 2018

Corporate climate action is one of the most hopeful stories of 2017 and many say there is reason to believe that it may prove to be an even bigger story in 2018. Hundreds of US corporations are slashing their emissions and adopting increasingly robust sustainability programs. A wide range of companies and organizations have committed billions to combat climate change. All across the US companies are crafting mitigation strategies and increasingly considering their adaptation needs. We are witnessing the broadest US corporate climate consensus that we have ever seen. It goes well beyond the Climate Action Partnership that was formed in 2007.

Event - GLOBE Forum 2018: Leadership Summit for Sustainable Business

This event will take place on March 14 - 16, 2018 in Vancouver, BC. The GLOBE Series is the largest and longest running leadership summit for sustainable business in the world.   GLOBE Forum and the associated Innovation Expo, showcasing cleantech and sustainable innovation, attract nearly 10,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, sparking inspiration, collaboration, innovation and enhanced corporate responsibility. There will be over 700 Presidents and CEOs in attendence as well as 250 exhibitors; and 300+ international media.

One Planet Summit Highlights the EU's Climate Leadership

As evidenced by the recent One Planet Summit, the EU and its member states are leading climate action. In the EU, governments, businesses and investors are all engaged in hopeful efforts and initiatives designed to combat climate change.

On the anniversary of the signing of the Paris Climate agreement on December 12, French President Macron convened a summit to encourage private and public financing for the implementation of the Paris agreement. The One Planet Summit was attended by governments, corporations and other organizations. At this event the European Union announced that it would invest at least €9 billion (US$10 billion) on clean energy, sustainable cities and agriculture. Even Theresa May, the less than green-minded prime minister of the UK, acknowledged the need for wealthy nations to help the developing world. She pledged to contribute £140 million to help poorer countries manage climate change.

France Shows Trump What Climate Leadership Looks Like

France is leading climate action. The host nation for the signing of the historic Paris Agreement has repeatedly refuted Trump's climate denial while adopting a raft of measures as part of an ambitious national climate plan.  It is fair to say that with its support of science, climate focused political agenda, and progressive climate plan France is one of the most sustainable countries in the world.  French efforts have been ongoing for years and include everything from mandatory sustainability reporting to the problem of food waste. In May France announced that it was moving forward with 17 GW of clean energy investments. These are just some of the reason France has emerged as a global climate leader.

Event - Sustainable Investment Forum Europe

The Sustainable Investment Forum Europe (SIFE), will take place on March 13, 2018, in Paris France. This event is subtitled "Financing Innovation for a Low Carbon Future". Leaders will convene to discuss concrete solutions to the current challenges of the European and global climate finance market. SIFE will host more than 200 organizations including governments,  investment agencies,  NGOs, corporations, and think tanks. Attendees will hail from from more than 30 countries and include leading members of the finance community.  At SIFE you can meet sustainable investment thought leaders including C-Level representatives, investment decision-makers, influencial policy-makers and regulators.

Event - High-Performance Building Conference 2018

Hosted by Maine CSI (Construction Specifications Institute), the High-Performance Building Conference 2018, will take place Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (EDT) at the Holiday Inn Portland, in Portland, Maine. The conference is for all those who design, manage or build structures in New England. The event will gathers architects, contractors, designers, engineers, facility managers, building owners and other industry professionals with an interest in learning about high-performance enclosures in New England. The full-day event features a slate of nationally recognized speakers, who each offer expertise on aspects of high-performance buildings. In addition, more than 20 suppliers will be available to approach with questions on products and services related to high-performance building design and construction. The confereence features AIA accredited sessions by top industry leaders and exhibits by leading manufacturers.

Corporations Need to Get Over their Fear of Reporting Failure

Corporations, particularly those who purport to be interested in sustainability, need to bravely report where no reports have gone before. Many firms instinctively shield their failures from the public, however, forward looking corporations know that even here there is value to transparency.  

Although it is hard to avoid getting defensive about shortcomings, being forthcoming about weakness augurs transformative opportunities. Those who have the courage to honestly acknowledge the facts are in a position to change the paradigm. Problems are transformed into an exercise in problem-solving. Identifying weakness becomes an invitation to improve. 

Event - Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) Impact 2018

This event will take place on April 24 - 26, 2018 in San Francisco, California. More than 350 attendees will get inspired, learn, make new connections and leave with actionable takeaways for their daily work through thought-provoking presentations, interactive sessions, engaging panels, interesting tours and fun business networking functions.

The Art of Effective Science Based Climate Communications

Science-based communications have failed to effectively counter the barrage of misinformation about climate change. This is partly due to the sheer volume of politically motivated subterfuge. This is especially true in the United States where climate change denial is being sold to the public by both the president and his party. This administration and most GOP legislators have made it clear that they are opposed to a fact-based understanding of climate change. Nonetheless, science is critical to the health of a society and if we are to reach larger numbers of people we need to be more effective.

Climate Communication Strategy to Bridge the Political Divide

Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, Americans have been reluctant to make climate action a top-tier voting priority. It is not that people are confused by the science it is that they are confounded by the politics.  The politics of climate denial practised by the GOP and the Trump administration are the foremost impediments to climate action in the US.

Event - World Future Energy Summit

World Future Energy Summit will take place on January 15-18, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The theme is "Driving the Global Energy Transformation". This event is dedicated to innovation, digitalisation and transformation in the global energy mix. The World Future Energy Summit is the leading event worldwide that connects hundreds of international suppliers, decision makers and thought leaders across the entire renewable energy industry. Network, do business and gain insights into the latest industry trends and advancements in dedicated energy sectors in one place over four fully packed business days. More than 30,000 attendees from 175 countries will converge on Abu Dhabi for this event. It will include 639 exhibiting companies and feature 110 speakers.

Event - Eighth Session of the IRENA Assembly

Eighth Session of the IRENA Assembly will take place on January 13 – 14, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Assembly is the Agency’s supreme decision-making body and brings together Heads of State, Ministers, government officials, and representatives from the private sector, civil society and other international organisations to reaffirm the global renewable energy agenda and make concrete steps to accelerate the global energy transition. This Assembly will deliberate on IRENA’s progress on the Work Programme and Budget for 2016-2017 and decide upon the new strategic and programmatic direction in the context of the Work Programme and Budget for 2018-2019 and Medium-term Strategy 2018-2022.

Event - Ontario EcoSchools SuperConference: Building Environmental Leadership

Ontario EcoSchools SuperConference will take place on Feb 22, 2018, at Le Jardin event centre, 8440 Hwy 27, Woodbridge, Ontario. This day-long event offers interactive learning and networking that will focus on building environmental leadership in school communities. The critical importance of education makes this an event for everyone (including teachers, school staff, outdoor education centres, administration, EcoTeam leads, and the general public).

There will be a keynote address and workshop sessions. There will be presentations both of Canada's official languages (English and French). The 50 – 60 minute long presenations will align with the conference theme of Building Environmental Leadership. Presenations will be delivered by teachers, school board representatives, or community members. In addition to speakers and adult-only workshops, there will be a stream specially designed for students.

Emotion is the Key to Communicating Sustainability and Climate Messaging

Emotion is a critical part of effective communications. This is particularly true when marketing sustainability efforts and crafting effective climate message strategies. Research in the social sciences and particularly cognitive psychology help us to understand how our communications are perceived. Texas Tech climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe has said that the "greatest advances" in our understanding of climate change over the past decade have come not from the physical sciences, but from the social sciences.

Here is an informal summary of some of the lessons we have gleaned from the social sciences. Research in pyschology reveals that facts alone are not enough to get through to people.