Direction --> Money

Truman Semans published an article on Dec 18th, called "In Copenhagen, Follow the Money". In it, he says:

"Few of the Copenhagen negotiators understand economics, investment, and business well, or the contributions business can make to solve the problem, or the policy frameworks that would best encourage business to play this role."

Our focus over the past few months has been to look at what can be achieved by governments coming together to solve the climate crisis. And in some ways, this was a positive step, but mostly, it was a planetary talk fest.

Truman rightly points out that developed countries are unlikely to hand over the sums of money being sought by developing nations, and companies with existing or new IP are not going to give away that technology. So the outcomes being sought were not feasible in the current global political space.

To achieve the vision, the goals of a new energy economy, and to fast track this, business people must step in and drive the agenda. This is already happening in China, India and the US as BLWB's (business leaders without borders) see opportunities for major industries developing in water, waste and energy management. Many corporate partnerships across nations are already in place and more are on the drawing board.

Old money is blocking some of these initiatives, and it's time for them to change direction, or get out of the way. And for governments to support local initiatives that will best meet the needs of this new economy.

In Truman's words: "It is critical that the business community educate governments on the role that they can play and sell them on the enabling policies and financial mechanisms that are needed. "

Copenhagen over, now let's get on with what needs to be done.