Pushing the economy-ecology connection offers opportunity for the mobilizers among us

by Lara Ryan

Albert Einstein told us that “no problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” This truth is important to remember as we tackle today’s big issues. To name just a few, the economic downturn, climate change, political instability, and food security top many worry lists. And it is becoming more and more clear that business as usual will not solve these problems. Yet hopes for financial, social, and ecological progress demand that we find opportunity in these challenges.

Lester Brown, the president of the Washington, D.C.–based Earth Policy Institute, shows us how we can do it. His book, Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization, takes a hard look at the link between the deterioration of the environment and the resulting economic situation.

Brown was a keynote speaker at last year’s Power of Green conference in Halifax. He got the crowd thinking. He asks hard questions and doesn’t shy away from the fear factor. In fact, he thinks scary scenarios are necessary to force a wake-up call, particularly among policy-makers.

“As the backlog of unresolved problems grows,” says Brown, “continuing rapid population growth, spreading water shortages, shrinking forests, and eroding soils, the weaker governments are breaking down under the mounting stress.” If we don’t start solving these problems, he says, more nations face collapse.

To recap, Brown’s argument is this: Dependence on oil, a declining resource, is unsustainable. Our oil culture causes climate change. Due to accelerated climate change we are facing issues around other resources, including food and water. This will lead to further disparity between rich and poor nations. Fragile states will be unable to feed and educate their citizens, and continued population growth will put more strain on non-renewable resources.

Brown and many others observe that suburbs were designed for cars. Cheap disposable goods are consumed without consideration of their real cost. We burn non-renewable fuel and contribute to global warming without thought to the long-term effects of our actions.

But the one great thing about this convergence of serious global issues is the opportunities it presents—opportunities that include investments in innovation, co-operation, education, designing cities for people, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

Lester Brown calls it mobilization to save civilization. I call it collective stewardship. We need to push ourselves, our business leaders, and our governments to think big picture.

In an effort to spread the word about Plan B, the Earth Policy Institute is encouraging bulk distribution of Brown’s book. Bill Clinton and Ted Turner have given away hundreds of copies. The Power of Green did the same thing; all conference delegates got a copy. Our responsibility in exchange for this gift is to digest the message and push the change agenda.

I'm feeling a little pushy today. Are you?

Lara Ryan is a business consultant specializing in CSR. She can be reached at lara@lararyanconsulting.ca.