An Era of Unmatched Opportunity

Without question, we are witnessing one of the most profound changes in the political, environmental, business and social climate of my lifetime. Over the last several weeks I've attended several conferences and meetings in Sonoma County (Everybody Profits IV and the Sustainable Enterprise Conference to name two) and I am heartened at the emerging awareness about sustainability that is becoming evident across all age groups, socio-economic groups, and within the business community. Whatever the motivation, be it saving money, making a living or altruism, going green is starting to work its way into all sectors of the community. As I have mentioned before, Author Paul Hawken feels this transition era is one of unmatched opportunity since so much about our business culture and personal lifestyles needs to be redesigned, retooled and changed through innovation. I completely agree.

70,000,000 Tons of C02 Per day

I just heard Al Gore say in an interview on PBS that worldwide "we pour 70 million tons of CO2 into the thin belt of atmosphere surrounding our planet EACH AND EVERY DAY as if it were a sewer." Think about that a moment.

Sobering at best. Terrifying at the worst.

Isn't that exactly what we're doing? Treating our sky as a big sewer?

And each and every day we keep hoping someone else will solve the problem. While I do see progress and a widening awareness, particularly in the Bay Area, it is quite frustrating at times.