The stark realities of the human impact on our planet - from global warming and depleted fish stocks, to spreading deserts and loss of species - make taking care of our environment more critical than ever. Amid - and because of - all the recent scientific evidence of environmental distress, a new more hopeful story is emerging.

Growing the Green Economy covers this under-reported story of how companies, investors, pension fund managers, innovators, and entrepreneurs worldwide are quietly growing a new, cleaner, greener, more ethical economy in our midst.

Galvanized by the new evidence of how "business as usual" and old economic approaches to human development are unsustainable, these new leaders are busy reforming capitalism and the marketplace for healthier, more equitable, and environmentally-friendly futures for all our children.

Growing the Green Economy introduces many of these diverse, inspiring leaders and their young companies that may be the Google's and Ebay's of the future - providing new jobs and opportunities for our young people. Look at all the new greener technologies: solar, wind power, biofuels, fuel cells, hydrogen, water-saving methods, better batteries, and the new information-technologies for energy and materials conservation. These innovators have responded to the rising demands of consumers and investors for simpler, more ecological lifestyles, as well as in recognition of the rising gaps between haves and have-nots that lead to conflicts on our small planet. Pension fund managers are leading the charge with their new Principles of Responsible Investing, representing $6 trillion in global assets. They demand that companies in their portfolios clean up their pollution and meet higher ethical standards.

Wednesday, 12/17/08 from 4:30-5:30 a.m. ET

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