Joel Makower

Joel Makower is chairman and executive editor of GreenBiz Group Inc., producer of GreenBiz.com, and lead author of the annual State of Green Business report. A veteran journalist with more than 40 years' experience, he also hosts GreenBiz's annual GreenBiz Forums, the global event series VERGE, and other events. Joel is author of more than a dozen books, including his latest, The New Grand Strategy: Restoring America's Prosperity, Security, and Sustainability in the 21st Century (St. Martin's Press).

Joel Makower is chairman and executive editor of GreenBiz Group Inc., producer of GreenBiz.com.

For 20 years, Joel has been a well-respected voice on business, the environment, and the bottom line. Joel is chairman and executive editor of GreenBiz Group Inc., creator of GreenBiz.com as well as research reports and events on the corporate sustainability strategy and trends. He hosts the annual GreenBiz Forums and VERGE conferences around the world, and is author of the annual State of Green Business report.

In 2012, he was awarded the Hutchens Medal by the American Society for Quality, which cited “his ability to tell compelling stories that both inform and inspire business leaders toward profitable action.”

A former nationally syndicated columnist, Joel is author or co-author of more than a dozen books, including his latest, The New Grand Strategy. Previous books include Strategies for the Green Economy, Beyond the Bottom Line: Putting Social Responsibility to Work for Your Business and the World, The E-Factor: The Bottom-Line Approach to Environmentally Responsible Business, and The Green Consumer.

He also writes “Two Steps Forward” (readjoel.com), a popular blog on sustainable business, clean technology, and green marketing.

Joel has been a commentator on environmental topics for public radio's "Marketplace" and appears frequently in both broadcast and print media. He serves as a board member or adviser to both for-profit and nonprofit organizations and speaks to companies, industry groups, and business schools around the world.

The Associated Press has called him “The guru of green business practices.”

Less
More

Contributes to

Two Steps Forward

GreenBiz Reads

GreenBiz 350 Podcast

Exit Interview

Center Stage Podcast

RMI @ 35: A conversation with Amory Lovins

October 23, 2017

By Joel Makower

The co-founder and life spirit of the Rocky Mountain Institute looks back — and forward.

Annie Leonard of Greenpeace on mixing business with politics

October 23, 2017

By Joel Makower

The best of live interviews from GreenBiz events. In this episode: The Greenpeace leader explores the future of climate policy in uncertain times.

Episode 97: Carbon pricing goes mainstream; Global Goals accelerate

October 20, 2017

By Joel Makower and Heather Clancy

In this week's episode, companies find value in the circular economy, partnering for global green growth and a visit with an inspiring educator.

Rob Threlkeld, GM

October 17, 2017

WithRob Threlkeld and Joel Makower

Kit Batten, PG&E

How climate resilience officers face 'the new normal'

October 16, 2017

WithJoel Makower and Kit Batten

What makes a climate resilience officer?

According to Kit Batten, climate resilience officer at the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) company, she must assess the risks a company faces from climate impacts, as well as protect the communities the company serves.

PG&E covers roughly two-thirds of California, she said, and it must prepare for six climate change drivers throughout the state: Sea level rise; flooding from stronger storms; drought; decreasing ground elevation due to drought; increasing wildfires and heatwaves.

Josh Henretig, Microsoft

October 16, 2017

WithJosh Henretig and Joel Makower

SunEdison founder Jigar Shah dishes on a clean energy future

October 16, 2017

By Joel Makower

The best of live interviews from GreenBiz events. In this episode: Entrepreneur Jigar Shah explores the promise for a "brilliant" energy future.

Episode 96: Blockchain blasts off; cities embrace AVs

October 13, 2017

By Joel Makower and Heather Clancy

In this week's episode, blockchain approaches its "singularity," powering Puerto Rico back to life and the chemicals sector seeks a catalyst on climate goals.

Humane Society CEO Wayne Pacelle on the humane economy

October 9, 2017

By Joel Makower

The best of live interviews from GreenBiz events. In this episode: What "animal protection 2.0" means for business.

Episode 95: Turning vision into reality; GM bolts into the future

October 6, 2017

By Joel Makower and Heather Clancy

In this week's episode, vision becomes reality for a waste-free economy and urban mobility, and science-based targets reach critical mass.

Home

Joel Makower

Contributes to

Two Steps Forward

GreenBiz Reads

GreenBiz 350 Podcast

Exit Interview

Center Stage Podcast

RMI @ 35: A conversation with Amory Lovins

Annie Leonard of Greenpeace on mixing business with politics

Episode 97: Carbon pricing goes mainstream; Global Goals accelerate

Rob Threlkeld, GM

Rob Threlkeld, GM

Kit Batten, PG&E

How climate resilience officers face 'the new normal'

Josh Henretig, Microsoft

Josh Henretig, Microsoft

SunEdison founder Jigar Shah dishes on a clean energy future

Episode 96: Blockchain blasts off; cities embrace AVs

Humane Society CEO Wayne Pacelle on the humane economy

Episode 95: Turning vision into reality; GM bolts into the future

High aspirations: What's next for Rocky Mountain Institute

Look out, banks: Sustainability funding gets creative

Episode 97: Carbon pricing goes mainstream; Global Goals accelerate

Joel Makower

Chairman & Executive Editor

Heather Clancy

Editorial Director

Elsa Wenzel

Managing editor

Anya Khalamayzer

Associate Editor