State of the World 2008: Additional Resources

Center for Business and the Environment at Yale
The Center for Business and the Environment at Yale provides a focal point for research, education, and outreach to advance business solutions to global environmental problems. The “Research” section of their site has a great list of resources. Center co-director Dan Esty contributed the Foreword to State of the World 2008.

CSRwire.com
CSRwire members are companies and NGOs, agencies and organizations interested in communicating their corporate citizenship, sustainability, and socially responsible initiatives to a global audience. The website is packed with corporate social responsibility and sustainability news, reports, and information. Bill Baue, author of State of the World 2008 Chapter 13, “Investing for Sustainability,” writes about corporate social responsibility for the site.

Ecosystem Marketplace
Ecosystem Marketplace provides information on markets and payment schemes for ecosystem services, including biodiversity trading and voluntary carbon markets. The organization believes that true markets--which can change the way the world works while also protecting the environment--will only be created by marrying vision, innovation, and experience from all countries and sectors. Ricardo Bayon, author of State of the World 2008 Chapter 9, “Banking on Biodiversity,” is the director of Ecosystem Marketplace.

“I Will If You Will”
This final report of the UK Sustainable Consumption Roundtable concludes that a significant shift toward more sustainable lifestyles is both possible and positive. Read more to find out why people are ready and willing to change but need strong leadership and support from government and business.

International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
IISD believes that good ideas, creativity, passion, and innovation can help achieve change in a world challenged by abject poverty and environmental degradation. IISD is a Canadian non-profit with a team of more than 150 people located in over 30 countries. Mark Halle, author of State of the World 2008 Chapter 14, “New Approaches to Trade Governance,” is Director of Trade and Investment at the group’s Geneva office.

Redefining Progress: The Nature of Economics
Working with government and advocacy groups, Redefining Progress develops innovative policies that balance economic well-being, environmental preservation, and social justice. Their policy initiatives address pressing environmental issues while ensuring that both the burdens and benefits are shared equally among affected communities. Jon Talberth, author of State of the World 2008 Chapter 2, “A New Bottom Line for Progress,” is Director of the Sustainability Indicators Program at Redefining Progress.

The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard
This fast-paced and fact-filled 20-minute video looks at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. It describes how all the “stuff” in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The video exposes the connections among divergent environmental and social issues and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world.