A Clean Break with the Past

While the world seemingly spirals towards
financial meltdown again and more children than ever are starving in Africa,
how can we possibly ignore all that and talk about such peripheral issues as
climate change and sustainability? With very good reason. We believe the answer
lies in making our countries and our companies – even the financial sector
-  more sustainable, more accountable,
more responsible and more ethical. By coming clean! Turning away from our old
habits towards a clean energy and low carbon future.   Ray Anderson of Interface has said it and
done it. And New York Mayor and media mogul Michael Bloomberg is investing in a
future “beyond coal”. We can spread the word and learn some lessons
even from old PR gurus like Bernays and the young Forum of the Future. Some
good business news is hitting the headlines this issue – Philips, BMW, Toyota
and Fujitsu. Problems continue to plague Japan – but could there be a nuclear
free future there? Deforestation in Indonesia rears its ugly head again. China
is having more than its share of extreme weather, but plans for an even bigger
future for solar. News from New Zealand and Australia on climate change and
business, and carbon prices and ratings. There are big events to come in Hong
Kong and Singapore. ASrIA and World Resources Institute have things to say
about the business of sustainability. Things are hotting up and we need to take
notice and take action, says Schellnhuber and Glikson. What’s new? Next issue
we release the 100 Global Sustain Ability Leaders list. – Ken Hickson