With the clean energy market topping $263 billion globally, and a solar trade war raging, the ending to this tale is crucial for U.S. competitiveness in the technologies of the future.

By the sheer number of initiatives in this arena and the degree to which other efforts are trying to hitch their wagon to the trend, it is clear that something important is afoot. Will merely knowing more about these impacts necessarily lead to dramatically better sustainability outcomes?

While perceptions may differ about the value of the overall outcomes for this year's Earth Summit, I believe most would agree that it is unthinkable to endure another decade marked by inertia in the face of the ongoing collapse of vital ocean ecosystems.

The so-called "green economy," which governments, business leaders, and some environmental organizations touted at last month's summit in Rio de Janeiro, is actually a greenwashed economy.

Last week, the first step was taken at the United Nations to form the working group that will elaborate these goals. As a serious advocate for SDGs, I believe this step is worthy of reflection.

We know that healthy communities and investment in workforce development are good for business. And after six months of work, the International Business Corps is already producing tremendous results for the NGOs, companies, corporate volunteers, and communities in Rio de Janeiro.