Here’s a peg. The University of Rhode Island is moving toward a graduate program offering studies in climate and oceanography along with business administration.

With plans to offer the two-year dual degree program starting in the fall of 2008, URI officials say it would be the first of its kind in the world. They say it will help tomorrow’s business executives find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Climate change represents a major challenge and opportunity to a broad range of business and the global economy,” S. Bradley Moran, an oceanography prof said in a statement. “Climate change is happening, and businesses need to adapt to this change.” Before it becomes official, the new MBA program needs to be approved by the school’s hierarchy. Reporters wanting more information can contact URI oceanography professor Moran at (401) 874-6530 or at moran@gso.uri.edu.

… Still on the Business/Climate Change Connection …

Twenty-two petitioners spanning several states, major environmental organizations, and financial and investment interests are petitioning the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require publicly-traded companies to “assess and fully disclose” financial risks they face from climate change. They’re urging SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance to closely scrutinize registrants’ climate disclosures under existing law.

The groups site what they call “unequivocal scientific evidence” and broad acknowledgement that climate change risks and opportunities “are material to shareholder investment decisions and must be disclosed.” Environmental Defense President Fred Krupp said in a statement that “smart companies know that profits and jobs come from solving problems, not ignoring them.” States having officials represented among the 22 petitioners are California, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.