Green Business Trends

March 6, 2009

Obama Creating an Office of Social Innovation

The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports that the White House is acting to create a new Office of Social Innovation as a way to bolster government aid to nonprofits at the frontlines of the country's most pressing problems.

Transition advisors indicate that President Obama is committed to the office's creation, as well as exploration of a "social investment fund" to respond to social challenges and engage more Americans in their local communities.

For more on the proposed Office of Social Innovation, read the article »

Companies Committed to Sustainability Shine in Economic Crisis

A recent study shows businesses committed to sustainable practices beat out their conventional competition by 15% in 16 out of 18 industries from May to November of 2008.

The study, reported by SocialFunds.com, demonstrates a green winning streak in the face of a slumping economy from companies whose practices were “geared toward protecting the environment and promoting social well-being while achieving shareholder value.” The analysis considered 99 of the largest sustainable companies as recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index or the GS Sustain focus list.

Read the article »

Climate Change Causes Worst Heat Wave in Australia’s History

Australia recently saw its worst heat wave ever recorded with sustained temperatures as high as 109 degrees. The heat brought crisis to Melbourne at the beginning of February as it shut down electrical grids, trains, and hospital services. More than 20 heat-related deaths were reported.

Located on the driest inhabited continent on the planet, Australia’s ecosystems and mostly coastal population are particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming. This development is consistent with scientific predictions of climate change, and the unprecedented 12-year drought gripping most of southern Australia is expected to worsen.

Economic models developed by the Australian Treasury demonstrate that early global action will be less costly than delayed action against climate change, and that Australia can retain or increase economic competitiveness while making emission cuts.

View the full Treasury report »

French Farmers Destroy GMO Crops in Self-Defense

Forty-nine French farmers set out one summer night in 2005 into fields of genetically-modified corn crops belonging to the Monsanto Corporation—and destroyed them. They argued in court that their strike against the crops was in self-defense because they threatened the survival of their way of life.

Read the article »

 

 

 

Table of Contents

Obama Creating an Office of Social Innovation

Companies Committed to Sustainability Shine in Economic Crisis

Climate Change Causes Worst Heat Wave in Australia’s History

French Farmers Destroy GMO Crops in Self-Defense

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