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Today I attended the opening session of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in NYC. It's my second year attending. In many ways, it's similar to other conferences, with plenary sessions, breakouts, networking, etc. In other ways, it's unique. To begin with, as former President Clinton said in his speech to us, "This is the only conference you'll ever attend where the gift bags are empty." Because CGI provides its members with the chance to give to others. There is a great deal of power at CGI. More than 60 current and former heads of state, 500 business leaders, and 400 leaders from NGOs and philanthropic organizations from 84 countries attend. As at most conferences, the real deal making happens outside of the sessions. What makes this conference different is that the pitching and buying is among NGOs and philanthropists/funders. And the matchmaker between the NGOs and funders is President Clinton and CGI. In fact, one of the great success stories we heard today was Global Give Back Circle. For continuation, go to http://3bl.me/ema6v8

The building sector is the biggest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S. Energy used in U.S. buildings produces about 43 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. However, buildings certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) have less impact on the environment, according to theGreen Building Impact Report 2008. The report assessed non-residential construction because it accounts for 40 percent of the environmental burden from the buildings sector.

The Senate passed its version of the stimulus package today. Sixty-one voted in favor, with 36 opposed. Three Republicans voted in favor: Senators Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe and Arlen Specter. The Senate's stimulus bill totaled $827 billion. The House bill totaled $820 billion.

Most of the 130,000 jewelry retailers in the United Stated do sell treated gems. The practice is considered ethical only as long as any treatments are disclosed and their degree of permanence taken into account when pricing the gem. Many of the treatments used to enhance the marketability of the gem are not so eco-friendly.

This declaration, crated at a conference most of the world's media ignored, is important because it reflects the position of indigenous peoples of the Earth, and it emphasizes yet again the importantce of dealing with climate and other issues that are hazardous to the biosphere, which makes life viable for humans.

Just glancing at the title of the recently released report, Sustainable Consumption Facts and Trends, by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) it might seem that sustainable and consuming are two topics that just do not go together. However, the report points out that the present level of consumption by Western nations is putting stress on the Earth's ecosystems.

The fires in Australia are still raging. Parts of the Western U.S. are experiencing the worst droughts on record. It seems Fortune magazine summed it up correctly in a May 2000 article that called water a "precious commodity" in the 21st century. Consider this: less than three percent of the world's water is fresh. Unfortunately, beyond the challenges of a changing climate, three other factors have decreased that small amount of fresh water: pollution, habit degradation, and wetlands destruction. For both humans and their surrounding natural landscape, water conservation is critical.

The operation of buildings in the U.S. accounts for 43 percent of all U.S. carbon emissions, and 76 percent of U.S. electricity use. Every year five billion square feet are built in the U.S., five billion feet are renovated, and 1.75 billion square feet of buildings are demolished. Energy conservation and efficiency improvements in the building sector have the "greatest potential for an effective near-term mitigation wedge for climate change," according to a study cited by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The report by the Earth Policy Institute, Time for Plan B: Cutting Carbon Emissions 80 Percent by 2020 sounds a warning bell to the human race, pointing out that climate change is melting the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets. A melted Greenland ice sheet would cause the sea level to rise 23 feet, and a melted Antarctic ice sheet would add 190 feet to the sea level.

A number of domestic and international considerations have led many political observers to conclude that the Unites States will take legislative action during the remainder of 2009, or in 2010, to address climate change. The goal of these legislative efforts is to achieve a gradual but significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their earlier levels by the middle of the century. Action in this area would be a watershed regulatory and tax development and would affect all types of businesses in many aspects of their operations.

In 1973 when Andy Lipkis was 15 years old trees in Los Angeles were dying at an alarming rate due, in part, to the horrific smog. Many people told Andy he could do nothing to help fix the problem, but he didn't listen. During summer camp he decided to mobilize his fellow campers, take an abandoned parking lot and convert it into a meadow with smog resistant trees. The project was a success and a good monster had been created. Andy never stopped planting. He went on to found the group TreePeople and has been honored worldwide for his efforts to plant millions of trees.

This morning I walked through The Bay and had a look at the many pink products on display as a part of their annual Think Pink program. By purchasing these products consumers can support the work of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF).

Anyone who has ever run a 10K or 10 mile race (or longer) knows that you can't start by going all out. You have to work up to cruising speed. And you need to leave something in the tank for the last part of the run. This is seemingly common sense, but for many "running" on Wall Street and within the business community generally, it is a lesson that bears repeating. Long runs require a sustainable pace. And if a business or an investment is to enjoy long-term success, it must create sustainable value.

Plastic bags account for 50 percent of the plastic trash in Washington, D.C.'s Anacostia River. In order to decrease the amount of plastic bags in the Anacostia, the D.C. Council proposed legislation that would put a five cents tax on disposable shopping bags. Eleven council members co-introduced it, and according to a Washington Post article, that almost guarantees it will become law.

As I mentioned in a previous post, one of the challenges when talking about sustainability is wondering how you (or I) could possibly do anything to help the dire situation our planet is facing. One of the most exciting parts of my Global Sustainability class from last week was the discussion of how entrepreneurs and innovators are looking at sustainability not as a problem, but as an opportunity. An opportunity to make a difference, yes. But also an opportunity to make money.

"Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis," reads the mission statement of sportswear clothing company, Patagonia. The Ventura, California based company makes sportswear from "environmentally sensitive materials" such as organic cotton and hemp. To date, Patagonia has given $34 million to environmental organizations.

Agriculture is a dwindling profession in Kerala primarily due to adversities the farmer faces today. E-Krishi is focused on providing farmers all the necessary help and support. This include, timely information on agriculture, best prices, networing between farmers and traders. E-Krishi, the market driven agricultural initiative through IT, enabled agri-business centres in Kerala state addresses the existing gap in agriculture information flow and transaction management.