Water Dragon Heralds Turning Point

Welcome to the Year of the Dragon – and a water dragon at that. According to those in the know, a water dragon personifies creativity at its best. In Chinese mythology, the appearance of a dragon marks a transition of power, or a turning point. So what can we expect for 2012? Maybe the mythical beast can turn on its  clean and green side. Energy, yes, as well as water. Two critical and connected resources which the world must manage more effectively for the sake of all. This issue looks at the troubles in the water for fish with the changing climate and China is cleaning up the air and atmosphere in a big way. We demonstrate once again our shine for solar and note its getting thinner and more efficient than ever. As 2012 is the year for London’s Olympics, they’ll be more sustainable than ever, while the European Investment Bank is also going green. More words from Grand Design’s Kevin McCloud on building better for living and the environment. Byron Bay is jumping on a new energy bandwagon, while New York shows that old buildings can also be energetically modified. The US is getting the message that it must get its climate/energy act together and awards are given out for sustainability innovations. Munich Re brings its extreme weather risks up to date and Singapore goes for green roofs for water management and energy efficiency. May it be a happy, healthy and hopeful year of the dragon. – Ken Hickson