ENVIRONMENT

Energy

Solar Sees Opportunities in this Major Oil-Exporting Nation

Nigerian solar energy developers see an opportunity to build the country's renewable energy sector and help the vulnerable during this pandemic. 

Kate Robertson

May 11, 2020

Energy

Beyond Ocean Plastic: Recycling Tackles the Polyurethane Foam Problem

Mountains of polyurethane foam are burned or landfilled every year, but a new technology out of Northwestern University may offer a recycling solution.

Tina Casey

May 7, 2020

Technology

Tech Companies Step Up to Help Domestic Violence Victims

More tech companies are offering ways to help domestic violence victims reach out for help even as they are shut inside their homes during this pandemic.

Amy Brown

May 6, 2020

Energy

Sustainability Isn't Stopping: Just Ask These Companies

The climate crisis isn't hitting the pause button while we deal with yet another global challenge — and these leading companies aren't either. 

Mary Mazzoni

May 5, 2020

Energy

COVID-19 Makes the 2020s the Adaptation Decade for Climate Change

If one thing is increasingly clear from this crisis, it is that many citizens will grow poorer from it. And this matters immensely for climate change.

Joyce Coffee

April 30, 2020

Energy

U.S. States Step in to Save Green Jobs for COVID-19 Recovery

Looking ahead to an eventual recovery from this pandemic, several U.S. states have begun to take steps boost green jobs and rebuild the clean power sector.

Tina Casey

April 28, 2020

Energy

Achieving Paris Agreement Goals can Pay Off in the Trillions

A recent study suggests achieving the Paris Agreement goals could generate hundreds of trillions of dollars in economic benefits through the year 2100.

Roya Sabri

April 27, 2020

Energy

Across the Pond, More Signs of a Renewable Energy Renaissance

Policy makers in the EU are beginning to coalesce around a strategy of fueling the COVID-19 recovery with renewable energy, backed by leading companies.

Tina Casey

April 24, 2020

Energy

Mattel Joins the Bioplastic Toy Brigade

Mattel announced this week it would start manufacturing some of its timeless Fisher-Price toys out of plastic derived from sugarcane.

Leon Kaye

April 23, 2020

Energy

COVID-19 Fallout: A Temporary Relief for Plastic Bags

COVID-19 resulted in suspensions or reversals of bans on plastic bags. Is this a temporary setback or a new chance at life for the petrochemical industry?

Tina Casey

April 22, 2020

Technology

Food Waste Reduction Platform Retools to Help Retailers Track Demand Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

This modeling tool from New York City startup Crisp can help retailers and their suppliers keep store shelves stocked — and food waste at a minimum — in the wake of COVID-19. 

Mary Mazzoni

April 21, 2020

Energy

Coal, Natural Gas Stakeholders Pivot to Renewable Hydrogen

A new plan from Siemens aims to leverage both coal and natural gas infrastructure to help make renewable hydrogen competitive in the energy market.

Tina Casey

April 21, 2020

Energy

Energy Firms Score Another Free Pass as Texas Seeks to Duck More EPA Rules

The rollback of federal environmental protections, combined with business-as-usual in Texas, means the U.S. EPA could put more vulnerable citizens at risk.

Kate Robertson

April 20, 2020

Technology

From Diagnostics to Masks: How a Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge Winner Is Helping Front-line Health Workers

This Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge winner is now helping front-line health workers by using its technology to make vital PPE for heath workers.

Cisco Corporate Social Responsibility Blog

April 17, 2020

Energy

A Glimmer of Hope: We Can Restore Marine Health by 2050

Optimism for the globe's oceans lies in the form of a recent study that contends that marine health can be restored by 2050 - if society takes 5 huge steps.

Roya Sabri

April 15, 2020

Energy

Clean Supply Chains Can Help Manufacturers Change the World

A research consortium L’Oreal formed in 2017 could pay off with the announcement of a PET recycling process that uses enzymes to break down plastic waste.

Tina Casey

April 14, 2020

Energy

Despite Pressure to Save Coal, Tennessee Pivots to Clean Power

A recent decision of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) exemplifies the ongoing pivot to renewables, despite the White House's affinity for coal.

Tina Casey

April 13, 2020

Energy

Ecological Balance Means Less Risk of Diseases Like COVID-19

Here's why the COVID-19 pandemic has made absolutely clear the direct connection between a healthy natural environment and human health.

Nithin Coca

April 9, 2020

Energy

Recycled Aluminum Could Allow for Next-Gen Energy Storage

One company says it's developed a disruptive option for energy storage: instead of using batteries, store power in a system based on recycled aluminum.

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

April 7, 2020

Energy

A New Black Eye for Keystone XL Pipeline: COVID-19

The COVID-19 crisis has brought a new wrinkle to the controversy over the Keystone XL pipeline's risks that it could impose on local communities.

Tina Casey

April 6, 2020

Technology

Silicon Anode Batteries: The Future of EV Charging

Today’s EV manufacturers are designing next-gen silicon anode batteries that can fast charge over 80 percent of its capacity in five to 10 minutes.

Michael Kraft

April 3, 2020

Energy

EU Leaders Debate the Future of a European Green Deal

Some EU leaders wish for long-term recovery plans to include a European Green Deal, thereby becoming the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

Ellen Delisio

April 3, 2020

Energy

COP26 Postponed Due to COVID-19: What Does It Mean for Global Climate Negotiations?

The postponement of COP26 is necessary to protect public health, but many wonder what it means for the future of global climate negotiations. Here, we break down data and expert opinions to give you the need-to-know. 

Mary Mazzoni

April 2, 2020

Technology

Mobile Technology: The Key to Combating Climate Change

One industry that can help take on the climate crisis comes from what may, on the surface, seem like an unlikely source – the mobile technology sector.

Ana Tavares Lattibeaudiere

April 2, 2020

Energy

EPA Relaxes Automobile Efficiency Standards Through 2026

In a ruling that could sow confusion among automakers, the EPA announced a rollback of automobile fuel efficiency standards.

Phil Covington

April 2, 2020

Technology

How Companies Can Close the Gender Gap in Innovation

As the world works to leverage technology to create a future where people, communities, and our planet thrive, narrowing the gender gap is crucial.

Angela Baker

March 31, 2020

Energy

While We Were Watching Netflix, the EPA Stopped Doing Its Job

Many are livid over the recent EPA decision to suspend enforcement of a range of environmental legal obligations due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Leon Kaye

March 30, 2020

Technology

NYC Techies Rally to Assist Small Businesses Nationwide

As this pandemic worsens, techies are helping small businesses with a website that allows users to buy online gift cards from merchants and restaurants.

Debra Born

March 26, 2020

Energy

Agraloop: Using Waste to Transform Wasteful Fashion

Agraloop is a regenerative process that creates natural fiber from food crop waste which in turn, fashion companies can use and scale up across the globe.

Roya Sabri

March 24, 2020

Energy

Drilling in the Amazon? Global Financiers Say Yes

A new report says oil and gas companies are pushing to expand extraction in the western Amazon - with the backing of the world's largest banks.

Nithin Coca

March 23, 2020

Sponsored

We Already Know How To Solve Our Water Problems—Now Let’s Make It Happen

Now More Than Ever, Everyone Can Help Support Global Water Access

Amidst the novel coronavirus pandemic, the importance of health and hygiene looms larger than ever before, yet hundreds of millions of people already live without access to safe water.

Tina Casey

March 20, 2020

Energy

World Water Day is a Reminder to Invest in Water Technology and Infrastructure

World Water Day is a reminder of how important it is to invest in both smart water technologies and infrastructure as the world copes with climate change.

Kate Robertson

March 20, 2020

Energy

Palm Oil Sustainability Takes One Important Step Forward

NGOs have lauded PepsiCo for its new palm oil sustainability policy, which closes a common loophole found in many global companies’ supply chains.

Leon Kaye

March 16, 2020

Energy

The Olympics Will Become Carbon Positive From 2030

From 2030 onward, the Olympics will become climate positive - and each of the future host cities already have ambitious sustainability plans.

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

March 16, 2020

Technology

To Design More Sustainable Products, Brands Forge Partnerships Between Human and Machine

Generative design is a form of artificial intelligence that can devise hundreds of design alternatives from a single idea—and it could be the future of sustainable manufacturing.

Mary Mazzoni

March 13, 2020

Energy

Despite Low Oil Prices, a Sunny Outlook for Renewables

Despite rapidly declining oil prices, the data make it clear: the long-term forecast for renewable energy worldwide remains sunny.

Kate Robertson

March 12, 2020

Energy

Climate Change Could Make This Region the Next California

The mid-Mississippi Delta region could become the home of more high-value crops as climate change threatens California’s dominance in agriculture.

Greg Heilers

March 10, 2020

Technology

Battery Tech is at the Heart of General Motors' All-Electric Future

General Motors announced its third-generation electric vehicle strategy last week, centered on new proprietary battery technology.

Phil Covington

March 9, 2020

Energy

Climate Change Could Eventually Mean the End of Beach Season

Beach season is coming soon, but your favorite sandy spot may not be around too much longer if climate change has anything to do with it.

Kate Robertson

March 9, 2020

Technology

#BiasCorrect Campaign Pushes Back Against Gender Inequality in the Workplace

The #BiasCorrect campaign is calling on men and women to reclaim the power of words and fight unconscious gender bias in the workplace.

Mary Mazzoni

March 6, 2020

Technology

Women Have Always Been ‘IT Geeks,’ Yet FinTech Still Lags on Diversity

Women have always been "IT Geeks," but the global fintech sector is still one largely dominated by men - though plenty of women are trying to change that.

Roger Aitken

March 6, 2020

Energy

Bold Move for Dairy: Horizon Organic Joins the Carbon Positive Movement

Horizon Organic is pushing the envelope for the dairy industry with its goal to become carbon positive in just five years — by 2025.

Roya Sabri

March 3, 2020

Technology

Lifesize Video Portals: The Next Big Thing in Employee Engagement?

A company called Shared_Studios has the potential to transform social interaction and employee engagement that with its lifesize video service.

Jenna Tsui

March 3, 2020

Energy

Mining Giant Rio Tinto Shames Climate Deniers With 2050 Zero-Emissions Goal

Rio Tinto says it's looking to the future — and its 2050 goals may put renewed pressure on policymakers who deny climate science.

Tina Casey

March 2, 2020

Energy

Report: Supposedly 'Recyclable' Material is Clogging U.S. Landfills, Often Shipped Abroad

Countless items that consumers assume are recyclable are actually landfilled or shipped to developing countries far away from where they were first collected, according to a recent report from Greenpeace.

Greg Heilers

February 28, 2020

Energy

Hyundai Puts the Pedal to the Metal for Renewable Hydrogen

The race to replace hydrogen fuel derived from natural gas with renewable hydrogen for vehicles just became a little more interesting, thanks to Hyundai.

Tina Casey

February 28, 2020

Energy

The Publishing Industry Tries to Close the Books on Climate Risk

From carbon-neutral pledges to responsible forestry, big publishing industry players like Penguin Random House say they're making strides to reduce overall impact.

Kate Robertson

February 27, 2020

Energy

How Food Waste Complicates the Water-Energy Nexus

Discussions about the world's food waste problem often overlook impacts on water supplies and energy production.

Kate Robertson

February 27, 2020

Energy

Great Barrier Reef Bleaching Threats Loom over Australia

Australia's Great Barrier Reef, which supports thousands of jobs and generates billions in local revenues, is under another huge threat of coral bleaching.

Roya Sabri

February 27, 2020

Energy

Yes, EVs Are Better for the Planet, Even If They're Charged With Dirty Energy

Any assumptions that electric vehicles generate heavy emissions during recharging are overblown or inaccurate, the Union of Concerned Scientists concludes in a new report.

Greg Heilers

February 25, 2020

Sponsored

We Already Know How To Solve Our Water Problems—Now Let’s Make It Happen

Wastewater is a Source of Valuable Water, Energy and Nutrients: How Do We Recover It?

Fully recovering embedded energy and nutrients from wastewater could offset more than 13 percent of agricultural fertilizer needs and power all the households in the U.S. and Mexico. But how do we do it?

Kate Robertson

February 25, 2020

Energy

Report: Apparel Brands Warm to Sustainable Cotton, But There's More Work To Do

Sustainable cotton procurement is on the rise, but the apparel sector still has plenty of room for improvement, according to this new global ranking.

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

February 24, 2020

Energy

In Brazil, Solar Generates Secure Energy and Social Impact

The deployment of solar in Brazil not only provides clean and secure power, but can also help strengthen the country's most vulnerable communities.

Kate Robertson

February 24, 2020

Energy

Is the 'Trillion Trees Act' Remotely Possible?

Some question the motives behind the Trillion Trees Act, but a larger question is whether planting billions of trees across the U.S. is even feasible.

Greg Heilers

February 20, 2020

Energy

After Moving From Coal to Wind, Ørsted's Next Step is Carbon Neutrality

After transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables, Danish energy company Ørsted is eyeing a carbon-neutral supply chain — and it says carbon offsets won't cut it.

Tina Casey

February 20, 2020

Energy

'Tesla Killer' Polestar Says It's Going Beyond All-Electric Vehicles

EV manufacturer Polestar says it plans to make its EVs even more sustainable by reducing weight, eliminating plastic content and reducing waste materials.

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

February 19, 2020

Technology

Nuro’s Self-Driving Electric Cars Will Soon Make Deliveries in Houston

Coming soon to city streets in Houston: R2 all-electric, self-driving cars that will deliver fast food, groceries and small packages.

Ellen Delisio

February 17, 2020

Technology

Why Data is So Important for Sustainable Buildings to Thrive

Homes and offices consume 40 percent of total U.S. energy use. Bright Power offers three keys for efficient, high-performance sustainable buildings.

Bright Power

February 17, 2020

Energy

Want to Remain Competitive? Go Carbon Neutral This Decade

A company that does not address climate change faces severe risks, sustainability experts warn in a new survey. Their suggestion? Go carbon neutral by 2030, if not sooner.

Greg Heilers

February 14, 2020

Energy

Companies Still Failing to Meet Zero-Deforestation Goals, Watchdog Says

A new report indicates most companies are failing to address tropical deforestation along their supply chains – despite high-profile commitments.

Nithin Coca

February 13, 2020

Energy

The Rapid Decline of Bumble Bees Threatens U.S. Agriculture

Climate change is behind the rapid disappearance of bumble bees - which could put the food and agriculture sectors at huge economic risk.

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

February 13, 2020

Energy

As Recycling Languishes, Business Leaders Endorse U.S. Plastic Waste Legislation

Business leaders are lining up in support of federal legislation designed to tackle the plastic waste crisis, but the Senate puts the bill's fate in doubt.

Greg Heilers

February 13, 2020

Energy

Sustainable Energy in America, By the Big — No, HUGE — Numbers

BloombergNEF and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy released the 2020 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook, and it's clear-it’s been a wild ride.

Kate Robertson

February 13, 2020

Technology

At Apple, Pre-empting Employee Activism Makes Bottom Line Sense

Addressing employee activism by keeping an eye on social concerns is a smart strategy: note Apple's actions following the acquisition of an artificial intelligence startup.

Tina Casey

February 12, 2020

Energy

Tech Companies Dominate the Largest U.S. Renewable Energy Buyers of 2019

A recent report reveals the top five U.S. investors in renewables are tech companies, but intriguing brands appear further down this list.

Kate Robertson

February 11, 2020

Energy

Your Future Coffee Sweetener Could Come from Food Waste

This Dutch startup has a new approach to food waste: It takes apple and pear leftovers and turns them into a sugar substitute.

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

February 10, 2020

Energy

Australia Bushfires Should Sound Alarms to the Global Business Community, says WWF Leader

The devastating Australia bushfires should push companies to leverage their influence with governments and consumers to push for better environmental stewardship, says the lead of WWF's private-sector engagement team.

Sheila Bonini

February 10, 2020

Energy

Clif Bar Wants to Create a Compostable Wrapper

Long a sustainability leader, Clif Bar & Company recently announced that all of its packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

February 7, 2020

Energy

The Milwaukee Brewers and SC Johnson Throw Plastic Waste a Curveball

The Milwaukee Brewers and SC Johnson launched an innovative program to recycle used plastic cups from the Brewers’ ballpark into Scrubbing Bubbles bottles. 

Ellen Delisio

February 7, 2020

Technology

Social Enterprise Investments Help Former Foster Kids Start Careers in Tech

NESsT, one of the social enterprises with which Cisco partners, began investing in and supporting Coders Lab, a technology training organization in Poland.

Cisco Corporate Social Responsibility Blog

February 7, 2020

Energy

Mohawk Exhibit Offers a Glimpse into the Ocean Plastic Crisis

To show the world what the ocean plastic crisis looks like, Mohawk Industries recently sponsored an art installation made out of upcycled materials.

Debra Born

February 6, 2020

Energy

UPS Tired of Waiting for Electric Vehicles, Decides to Make Its Own

UPS is trying something new: it has invested in the electric vehicle startup Arrival instead of waiting for the automakers to revamp their supply chains.

Tina Casey

February 4, 2020