Anyone can install a solar panel. But if no-one can agree on who will erect, or who will fund it, then you’ve got a problem.
Resource Efficiency
Will the techno-optimists save the world?
Techno-optimism is a form of denial. That things aren’t that serious and that politically difficult change that will confront powerful vested economic interests can be avoided. Such a view is reassuring, it feels good and it fits nicely with our genetic tendency to optimism. Unfortunately, it’s also wrong.
Can the Clever Country build smart, green cities?
Australia has an opportunity to lead the world in green city innovation, according to European industrial giant Siemens. Our cities have all the right ingredients – crowded, congested, and with ageing infrastructure. But are we capable of making smart decisions?
Ignoring forests won’t solve Rio+20’s problems
Forests are essential to all of the major challenges on the table for this year’s Rio+20 meeting. So why are they missing from the agenda?
The Growth Monster is slaying itself
In the first of a three-part series, author Paul Gilding examines the end of economic growth. Once dismissed as the fantasy of fringe economic thinkers, the combination of climate change and associated economic risks, peak oil, and rising food prices has caused the penny to drop – growth may not go on forever. Will politicians, economists, and business leaders be able to cope?
UN calls for sustainable measure of GDP
UN calls on governments and business to factor environment into measures of growth, and to end fossil fuel subsidies
Bonds best weapon to counter fossil lobby
Politicians are focused on the short-term, caught in the headlights of the fossil fuel lobby. Climate needs politically sellable solutions.
Why Gates is confused about food security
Bill Gates is one very confused billionaire philanthropist. He gets climate change and food security, but not opponents to techno-fixes.
Interview: Unilever’s Gavin Neath
Companies betting on business as usual are so wrong. “I don’t think they fully understand how wrong they are.”
Will Australia have its own Kodak moment?
The collapse of Eastman Kodak has been one of the most sadly predictable corporate demises in recent memory: A company that had the key to its own future but refused to turn the lock. How many Australian companies will follow the same path?