Erika Karp on how to innovate from the inside to achieve the sustainable development goals

Building consensus inclusively among government, NGOs and business is key to realizing the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. But it’s not always clear how corporates and investors can act on fulfilling these goals, despite the necessity of participation from the private sector. Cornerstone Capital CEO Erika Karp discusses the role business can and should play in advancing and achieving these goals, and drive business excellence at the same time.

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Erika Karp on how to innovate from the inside to achieve the sustainable development goals

Why human health must be at the center of climate action

Companies can exacerbate the challenges, but the private sector also positively contribute to solving these challenges.

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Why human health must be at the center of climate action

Opportunity zones could provide major boost for clean energy, sustainable development

Predictions of $200 to $300 billion investments in the nation’s 8,700+ OZones show the massive opportunity for the private sector.

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Opportunity zones could provide major boost for clean energy, sustainable development

What’s the business case for climate-focused urban development in Africa?

As the continent urbanizes, it faces water shortages and deforestation. The private sector can help.

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What’s the business case for climate-focused urban development in Africa?

3 ways public-private partnerships can save Brazil’s forests

Harnessing private sector funding for forest protection from commodity buyers, agribusinesses and consumers is a priority.

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3 ways public-private partnerships can save Brazil’s forests

South Australian businesses launch blockchain app to cut costs, trade local clean energy

A dozen companies in ‘progressive’ Australia will buy and sell renewable energy using LO3 Energy’s blockchain technology.

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South Australian businesses launch blockchain app to cut costs, trade local clean energy

10 reasons startups should be socially responsible from birth

It shouldn’t be regarded as a new burden but as a competitive differentiator right in the first presentations and brainstorms.

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10 reasons startups should be socially responsible from birth

The time is now for business to mobilize differently on water

The case for investing in private sector leadership on water is growing stronger by the minute.

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The time is now for business to mobilize differently on water

UNEP chief: Polluters should pay for environmental destruction, not taxpayers

Companies often profit from environmental destruction , leaving taxpayers to pick up the cleanup bill. That shouldn’t be the case, according to Erik Solheim, executive director for the United Nations Environment Program . At a conference at Columbia University earlier this week, he said, “The profit of destroying nature or polluting the planet is nearly always privatized, while the costs of polluting the planet or the cost of destroying ecosystems is nearly always socialized. This cannot continue.” Solheim said we can turn around Earth’s environmental fortunes if businesses, citizens, and politicians work for a shared goal – with the biggest polluters paying for damage. He said, “Anyone who pollutes, anyone who destroys nature must pay for the cost of that destruction or that pollution.” Related: The oil industry knew about dangerous climate change in the 1960s Two scientists made a similar point in a recent opinion piece for The Guardian, saying big oil companies should pay for climate change . The Union of Concerned Scientists’ Director of Science and Policy Peter Frumhoff and University of Oxford professor of geosystem science Myles Allen pointed to July lawsuits against ExxonMobil, BP, and Chevron, saying they should pay for damages coastal communities face from rising sea levels . They, together with other researchers, published a peer-reviewed study quantifying sea level rise and rising temperatures coming from emissions from fossil fuel companies. Solheim also said businesses must play a role by creating new technologies to address needs. He pointed to China as an example, highlighting the work of bike-sharing firm Mobike, which boasts over a million shareable bicycles in the Beijing area. Meanwhile, China is also working on transportation with a high-speed rail network and urban metro systems. He also pointed to India , where addressing environmental issues has been good for the country. Solar power has created jobs, simultaneous boosting the economy and helping the planet. Solheim said, “Change is happening. Economic-wise, we are on the right track, but we need to speed up because the challenge is so big.” Via Thomson Reuters Foundation and EcoWatch Images via Sgt. 1st Class Malcolm McClendon/Army National Guard and Steve Snodgrass on Flickr

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UNEP chief: Polluters should pay for environmental destruction, not taxpayers

A postcard from Hawaii to the nation’s capital

The mood at the second annual VERGE conference in Honolulu last week was upbeat about the future of clean energy, despite pushback on the U.S. mainland. Apparently, those committed to a clean energy agenda, including the private sector, are more motivated than ever to push forward with aggressive programs to bring renewables resources online.

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A postcard from Hawaii to the nation’s capital

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