It's the best of times right now, says HOW Online contributor Thomas M. Kostigen. Think about it: When in modern history can you have pointed to a bottom with such assuredness? We’ve cleaned the sewage system in the finance industry; we’ve purged the subprime mortgage bankers, brokers and borrowers; we’ve blown open the biggest Ponzi scheme ever. The worst of times is behind us; there is hope — and the emblem of that hope, President-elect Barack Obama, will soon take office, says Kostigen.
More »"If climate change is such a grave danger and carbon pollution is the biggest contributor to that danger, then emitting excessive amounts of carbon pollution into the atmosphere should be banned."
— Thomas M. Kostigen,
columnist, author
There may be no better way to mitigate climate change and its effects than to make polluting illegal. Let's cut through the byzantine carbon-trading schemes, and let's get real about the pollution problem. Attach criminal penalties to those excessively polluting the planet and you'll see change happen fast — maybe even as quick as an industry bailout.
More »"Without government policies telling them to do so, companies can take strong measures and actions on their own that will create a more sustainable economy."
Five major companies are taking responsibility for their actions instead of waiting for government intervention. The new business coalition calls for strong U.S. climate and energy legislation to spur the clean-energy economy and reduce global-warming pollution. Instead of looking for handouts, more companies should be looking for more ways to innovate.
More »"Here's where Barack Obama can become a genius: Link any auto industry bailout to increased fuel efficiency and therefore better pollution standards. Not only will he save an industry and jobs, he will set an example for other business sectors."
As Washington figures ways to fix the economy, a fix that amounts to billions of dollars a year is all around them: air. The drag of poor air quality on the economy is mounting — losses we can ill afford, especially now. Better air quality standards and a bailout package for the auto industry with caveats on fuel efficiency can reshape America.
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We're looking at three books that share a common theme: the need for individuals and companies to incorporate green principles and a respect for the Earth's resources into their value systems and business strategies. The books make a powerful trilogy that address three important issues: national policy, corporate strategy and personal commitment.
More »"Without a clear, compelling and relevant idea for your organization, it is impossible to develop organizational optimism — at least in times of great uncertainty,"
— Mats Lederhausen,
CEO, BE-CAUSE
With so much daily news of wavering markets, it may be difficult for business leaders to remain positive and display that confidence to others throughout the organization. HOW Online decided to ask leaders, innovators and authors, "How do you keep your sense of optimism — and convey it to employees and co-workers — when so much bad news is out there now?"
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Get real! It’s difficult to imagine how many millions of times a day that phrase is used around the world. Get real. Be practical. It can be heard on street corners, at cocktail parties and in corporate boardrooms. Frequently, the speaker uses it as a command to dash the aspirations of a person or an organization. Stop daydreaming! What you’re talking about is never going to happen! We see it differently.
More »"In the poorest countries, corruption levels can mean the difference between life and death, when money for hospitals or clean water is in play."
A highly regarded survey of perceptions of worldwide corruption finds that wealthy countries are “backsliding” in anti-corruption efforts while persistently high corruption in low-income countries amounts to an “ongoing humanitarian disaster.”
More »How do federal regulators handle the takeover of a bank that is in danger of failing? Just ask the tiny First Integrity Bank Staples, Minn. Some analysts predict that as many as 150 banks could fail over the next three years. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the federal government could clone the FDIC and apply these same techniques to so many more situations in life?
More »"When the media does confront the question of responsibility, it is usually to conclude that responsibility resides with the person who commits the initial offense, not with those who repeat it."
During the course of this seemingly endless presidential campaign, the American people have been recipients of a number of offensive remarks by supporters of various candidates, remarks aimed at one or another minority group. However, the most publicized recent case of offensive speech was not connected to any political campaign: Don Imus' cruel and baseless description of the Rutgers women's basketball team.
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