Eternal Optimist
Great comment in from Mel who asks ‘How does the future look to you? How far do we need to change our way of life and what exactly are we ’sustaining’? I guess I’m asking you how much of an optimist you are? ‘


Well, in this line of work, one has to be an eternally optimistic, never say die, and it ain’t over till the fat lady sings etc

Seriously, I have been working in this field for over 15 years (as an engineer in BattleMcCarthy), banging my head against brick walls is a part of the job description. But, if I look back at the past, it is clear that we are now in the midst of a tidal shift. This shift is already in full swing in the world of commercial development with many developers now seeing the absolute requirement to go green. The attendance at the USGBC Green Build Conference is a good barometer for this; 500 people when I first started going 8 years ago and now at over 30,000.

 As to the amount of change needed we only need to look at what the UK Government is saying - a 80% reduction against 1990 baseline. This is not a small saving, this is no less than a paradigm shift in how individuals and businesses manage carbon.

 Mel goes on to say ‘As for culture change, I believe we’re starting to see the philospohical change already, but as often happens, the action is lagging the mindset. Which can be very frustrating, but gives hope also’

I agree entirely, what we are not yet seeing is a mass change movement in how people ( you and I) are living our lives and nor are we seeing any real sea change in the choices we make. The sentiment is there, but still lacking concrete action. It is only when we all start demanding a different approach and start changing our buying habits that will we even begin to see the change that is needed.

 This is what Planet Positive is all about; creating a ground swell in change, and empowering people through the choices they make to encourage business to change as well. Planet Positive It is also a message of hope and belief in what we have is WORTH saving!

I would be very interested to hear from anyone as to how this may be accelerated and what we at Planet Positive can do to encourage this.

 

Guy

15 December 2008

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