 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
THIS ISSUE'S SPONSOR
 |
A Note from the Editor
By Eric Olson -- BSR
We're All Connected: Taking a "Systems" Approach to Climate Change
Systems thinking is a framework that is based on the belief that the component parts of a system are best understood in the context of relationships with each other, rather than in isolation. A "systems approach" to problem solving attempts to address "problems" holistically, as parts of an overall system, and thereby avoids the trap of making the overall system worse by reacting to specific current outcomes or events in isolation.
Climate change can usefully be seen as the mother of all systems challenges. Complex and interrelated ecological processes, national interests and related policies, business objectives and practices, individual behavior, technology development -- all play their part and have profound impacts on the other elements of the global climate system.
This week's stories highlight some of the critical elements and interdependencies in this massive system we are all working to shift:
China and the U.S.: Our feature article focuses on the critical -- and evolving -- dialog between the world's top two emitters (the U.S. and China together account for more than 40 percent of global emissions). Progress -- or the lack thereof -- will have a profound impact on domestic legislation in the U.S. and international attempts to conclude a post-Kyoto agreement in Copenhagen.
Government and business: Two items highlight ongoing efforts by government in the U.S. and U.K. to stimulate private sector development in alternative energy. The Obama Administration published guidelines for project developers to take advantage of new tax grants representing up to 30 percent of costs in lieu of tax credits, which became less useful when the economic downturn hit. The U.K. expanded the powers and oversight of its energy industry watchdog Ofgem to deliver on the government's renewable energy agenda.
Optimizing business performance via "The Network": JohnsonDiversey achieved 25 percent reduction of energy and emissions in transport and logistics through a suite of improvement projects and creation of a "Global Value Chain" environmental impact tool, a lifecycle analysis application that helps inform decisions related to manufacturing, sourcing and logistics. On the digital side of life, a report on NetSuite's "software-as-a-service" indicates that customers who outsourced Enterprise Resource Planning and Customer Relationship Management software services saved a combined $61 million in energy costs annually through better utilization.
Expanded understanding of risk: The Securities and Exchange Commission is reportedly considering whether to require public companies to tell their investors about the financial and physical risks they face from climate change. A new report from UNEP Finance Initiative suggests that the link between fiduciary law and ESG issues is becoming strong enough that that consultants and asset manager could be sued for failing to account for them.
A final plug: Make your voice heard on the role to be played by carbon offsets in climate change strategies by participating in the Carbon Offsetting Trends Survey 2009, a research report from partners ClimateBiz.com, EcoSecurities and Baker McKenzie.
Eric Olson is senior vice president of advisory services at BSR.
|
| |
Featured Story
|
A Business Guide to Navigating U.S.-China Climate Relations
|
By Eric Olson -- BSR
|
As climate change legislation winds its way through Congress en route to the White House, don’t lose sight of the effects this bill may have for your business far beyond U.S. borders. This guide offers insight into what you can do to ensure that your company is positioned for success in this rapidly changing climate.... Read More
|
|
|
Sponsored Content
ClimateBiz, EcoSecurities and Baker McKenzie need your help.
Please complete our anonymous Carbon Offsetting Trends 2009 online survey. Whatever your organizational strategy in relation to the environment and carbon, we welcome your comments. |
| |
GreenBiz Radio
|
Tracking the Stimulus Spending with Recovery.org
By Ryan Schuchard and Laura Ediger
|
|
(Episode 90): GreenBiz.com's senior writer Marc Gunther speaks with Eric Gillespie, the CIO of Onvia about how his firm's website, Recovery.org, is helping companies track federal stimulus spending -- and get a slice of the pie.... Listen
|
|
|
Sponsored Content
Get a “GREEN” Education
Visit the GreenBiz Executive Education Center to see featured professional and executive education programs that focus on corporate social responsibility, sustainability management and leadership. |
| |
Columns and Blogs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FEATURED RESOURCES
Fiduciary Responsibility: Legal and Practical Aspects of Integrating ESG Issues into Institutional Investment
A powerful group of asset managers, representing around USD 2 trillion in assets under management, argues in this report that integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into investment decisions is no longer just a luxury, but a legal responsibility.
California's Solar Cities
This report from the nonprofit Environment California charts the growth of solar power installations in California, and ranks that state's top cities for solar development.
BROWSE BY TOPIC
FEATURED JOBS
Climate Change Technical Director / Scientist
Denver, CO
Biofuels Life-Cycle Analyst
Chicago, IL or London
Business Unit Manager - Climate Change/Carbon Mgmt
San Francisco, CA
Manager – Carbon Development Group
Washington, DC
» Browse All Jobs
FEATURED EVENT
Cleantech Forum XXIII, Boston
Date: Tue, 8 Sep
Location:
One of five international Cleantech Forums, the Boston Cleantech Forum convenes 500 global clean technology leaders representing trillions in capital while providing insight into cleantech trends, and investment opportunities.
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Become a Sponsor
Reach tens of thousands of businesses every month by placing your ad here. Contact us to receive more information.
|
GreenBiz.com® is a registered trademark of Greener World Media, Inc.
©Greener World Media, Inc. All rights reserved. |
|
|
Browse
Engage
Research
