Big Retail on the March
 
In my first post-Copenhagen Editor's Note in January, I noted that one of the primary implications of the (lack of) progress achieved at that meeting was the need for business to take a more prominent role in driving progress on global climate change. This week's stories provide hopeful signs that this is taking place.
 
Let's start with "Big Retail." First, Walmart announced a goal to eliminate 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its global supply chain by the end of 2015. This is a big number. While many questions obviously remain about how this will be accomplished, there is no question that it is game changer for many of the Company's supplier industries.

Not to be outdone, Marks & Spencer followed with plans to become the world's most sustainable retailer by 2015 by extending its already successful "Plan A" for sustainability, and Best Buy became the latest major addition to the BICEP coalition of companies working to promote effective climate policy in the U.S.
 
These and other announcements and investments constitute a broad and steady chorus of business voices advocating for bolder action. At the same time, I can't help but wonder who is listening.  We must find better ways to engage and inspire our customers and fellow citizens, and thereby the politicians who represent them. I hope to be coming back to you in a few weeks with good news on that front as well.

Eric Olson is senior vice president of advisory services at BSR.

This report outlines the ways that broadband technologies and smart grids can create jobs, save individuals and businesses money, and cut the national carbon footprint.

This white paper from Environmental Defense Fund and fleet management company PHH Arval lays out strategies for reducing emissions from medium-duty trucks, which are responsible for more than 80 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

This two-day event from the Pew Center on Global Climate Change marks the release of a comprehensive report on best practices in corporate energy efficiency: From Shop Floor to Top Floor: Best Business Practices in Energy Efficiency.