Social Change

The world looks to America for leadership. Sadly World Environment Day (WED) tends to be a low profile day in the US compared to some other environmental events. This is unfortunate because the day is meant to be global in scope. It is important for Americans to understand the truly global scale of environmental threats and climate change in particular. It is fitting that as we acknowledge WED on Wednesday June 5th, we celebrate the global power of environmental activism. This year marks the United Nations 42nd WED, an annual event that aspires to be the world's most widely celebrated...

Here is a summary of sites that support crowdfunding for green technologies, renewable energy and social entrepreneurship. This list enables entrepreneurs, non-profits, and their supporters to solicit funds through social media that do environmental or social good. The first fourteen crowdfunding sites (and one chart) on this list are drawn from Green VC and the last fives crowdfunding sites are derived from from a Tech Republic article. 33needs – A crowdfunding organization that connects micro-investors with social entrepreneurs who have ideas in categories such as sustainable food, health, education, and the environment. Ashoka Invest in Innovation - Funding platform to...

In a one-year-long expert consultation process, UN-Water's 31 Members from the United Nations system and 36 international Partners have come together to analyze what role water could have in the Post-2015 Development Agenda. The result is a consolidated technical advice from the UN system to Member States to prioritize water through a dedicated global goal with five interlinked targets. The proposed goal builds on and extends existing commitments such as the Millennium Development Goals and the priorities agreed at Rio+20. Its overall framework universally applicable but responds to particular national circumstances. During the Thematic Debate of the General Assembly "Water,...

Verdi Gras from Sarah Tilotta on Vimeo. Related Articles A More Sustainable Carnival and Mardi Gras Video - Greener Mardi Gras

This year represents the fourth installment of the Green Market Oracle's (GMO) annual sustainable school series. Each year GMO puts together a summary of some of the latest information and resources on environmentally oriented academics and activities as well as green infrastructure in pedagogical settings. Taken together these efforts contribute to the growth of a well informed population, an environmentally sound economy and a healthier planet. Here are the Green Market Oracle's top posts in green education, activities and infrastructure for 2013: General Sustainable Schools Produce Eco-literate Ambassadors Five Ways Students are Fighting Climate Change Sustainability in Colleges and Universities...

Former Irish president Mary Robinson, has added her voice to those who are advocating for development goals, an agreement on climate change and a stronger emphasis on human rights. Robinson is a human rights campaigner and founder of the Mary Robinson Foundation for Climate Justice. The UN's millennium development goals (MDGs) will expire in 2015 and new sustainable development goals are to take their place. The UN has acknowledged that climate change is a human rights issue. So it stands to reason that a global agreement on climate change is a human rights issue. Keeping global warming to below the...

Under the auspices of the UN, a new global sustainability initiative is taking shape. With the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) having wrapped up its work on September 20th and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set to expire in 2015, political leaders and policy makers are crafting a new development framework based on sustainability. Millennium Development Goals In 2000, world leaders set out the MDGs to help eliminate poverty worldwide. MDGs were inaugurated as the “world’s greatest promise” in the pursuit of concrete, measurable improvements on global poverty, hunger, health, education and other key social issues. In June, 2013...

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is an environmental leader and since 2000 they have awarded over 170 Campus Ecology Fellowships to US undergraduate and graduate students engaging global warming related issues. Students are awarded Fellowships for projects ranging from campus-wide energy audits to implementing sustainable forestry practices. In addition to recognition, Fellows receive a modest monetary grant, project support and leadership development. In 2013, NWF is offering an Emerging Leaders Fellowship track that awards Fellowships to post-graduate, young professionals (ages 21-35) interested in career development and leadership opportunities within the conservation movement. These Fellows are provided with leadership opportunities, skills...

Vermont Law School is offering an Masters in Environmental Law. Understanding environmental legislation, enforcement and law-making is imperative. This degree is ideal for those who are seeking to make an organization more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. Through this degree you can learn the skills that improve efficiency and ensure environmental, human, and employee health in your organization. The degree opens the doors to careers in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private industry. The program is entirely online and can be completed in as little as 18 months. Vermont Law School has been ranked #1 in environmental law by US...

ON-Line Green Sustainability Project Management is accessible Anywhere, it is also recorded so you never miss a session. This program addresses how the drivers of sustainability impact the Project Management (PM) discipline. It is designed for sustainability project managers or Project Managers in a company with a sustainability strategy. The program will help you to understand the integration of sustainability into project management, and take into account that projects "live" in the context of programs and portfolios, the enterprise and ultimately society and the environment. Through this program you can professionally develop your sustainability and project management skills, enhance your...