ABSTRACT

The positive news is that there is now sufficient understanding of the nature of these challenges, their interconnectivity and an increasing recognition that there are many solutions and best practices to make rapid progress. As we have seen, there are many actions taking place around the globe, however, if we are honest about the situation they are not being well coordinated. Our real challenge, as we have seen, is now to improve our organisation and coordination, to ensure that the actions already taking place, as well those that are being developed and deployed, will achieve the rapid change required in the limited timeframes available. However, everybody can embrace this New Green Revolution and contribute to its success: to be part of the new wave of innovation and global transformation, and in the process build a sustainable world, not only for today’s generation, but also for our children and grandchildren. Bjorn Stigson, President of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development – the world’s leading business organisation focused on business and sustainable development – states, ‘What we have now is a rare chance to reshape our world. I believe we are living in a moment of history, that all round us is a new industrial revolution is beginning… It will be clean because we know we cannot go on polluting as we have been and maintain functioning ecosystems.’