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As 40 years of Earth Days pass, it's interesting to note that it is the business community that has backed the cause of climate change more than any other. Politicians have let the issue wane; individuals seem to care less and less about global warming. So why is this happening? In this more connected world, business is taking action for the right reasons, says HOW contributor Thomas M. Kostigen.

At a recent United Nations meeting, participants signed the “Global Economic Ethic: Consequences for Global Businesses” manifesto, which lays out principles and values to create common moral ground in the global marketplace. As the wicked web of connections is being revealed by the crisis, a new global ethic is an idea whose time has come, says HOW contributor Thomas M. Kostigen.

It was created in 1934, but the SEC has now decided to form an Investor Advisory Committee charged with protecting investors. But wasn't this supposed to be the SEC's mission all along? asks HOW contributor Thomas M. Kostigen. A fresh start is needed. The future of capital market health relies on transparency and good governance.

Tough economic times aren't just putting more workers out on the street — they're pushing the employed to embezzle. According to a new survey, the level of workplace fraud has increased over the past year. And as companies institute pay freezes and cuts, the temptation to commit fraud may grow, says HOW contributor Thomas M. Kostigen.

Shame is a powerful force used increasingly as a tool for change in society, says HOW contributor Thomas M. Kostigen. But one has to have the capacity to feel ashamed in order for change to occur. This is why it's important to instill good values as opposed to bad behavior. Actions and words matter in the business of accountability.

Taking the opposite side can be popular, but is it the right thing to do? asks HOW contributor Thomas M. Kostigen. People are divided across the political, business and cultural spectrum. This is a dangerous divide, and it needs to be fixed. We are supposed to be the United States of America — not the Divided States of America.

We are wasting a lot of time, money and effort on ineffective ways to address climate change, says HOW contributor Thomas M. Kostigen. The world needs to get sober, and we need better plans — now. “We need to stop gambling on different ideas and double down on the one bet we know is a sure thing: the sun,” he says.

While a major ad campaign by the coal industry is trying to sway public opinion about “clean coal,” let's be clear: There is no such thing as clean coal, says HOW contributor Thomas M. Kostigen. It's time coal companies realize that their time has come and gone. If ever there was a time to embrace truly clean energy, it's now.

We should stop talking about putting a cap on carbon pollution and trading clean-energy credits. It's madness, says HOW contributor Thomas M. Kostigen. Allowing the "free market" to determine the fate of our health and our planet is not the path to correctness. We’re seeing the fallout of the free-market system play out now.

The way to strengthen the economy is through embracing green initiatives, says HOW contributor Thomas M. Kostigen. “We have squandered an incredible amount of capital in our greedy lust for wealth, sacrificing long-term returns for short-term profits. We should not apply the same mindset to the environment,” he says.