SENTINEL WATCH December 14, 2009 Issue

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

Frederick R. Andresen

WHILE THE MUCH REPORTED Climate Conference in Copenhagen has been going on this month, a related conference—on "New Leadership for a Sustainable Economy"—has also been taking place in Denmark. This one has dealt with ways the economy, the environment, and society can work together to achieve what are called "sustainable communities."

In the past, business, economy, and society have often worked in isolation, and this has sometimes led to decisions that undermine others' efforts. I tended to think of sustainability simply as another media buzzword to describe business survival under the present trying financial circumstances. What I've now realized is that it's actually a harbinger of changed thinking—an effort not just to keep one another "informed" but also to find solutions that genuinely transform society. So, instead of being anti-environment, business is looking at how "green" jobs can be created; and those who support the environment are asking how their work can support the creation of those jobs. These, in turn, support the human needs society is also concerned about.

Such efforts make better use of everyone's resources and are often able to reduce competition between these sectors by building understanding. They also help lessen fear in the general population, where people are often confused by conflicting reports or promises.