Kevin Danaher, cofounder of Global Exchange, believes the environmental and economic crises create an opportunity to focus on green, local solutions that work.
Since corporations have destroyed forests and streams, moved their factories overseas, and ruined the economy, the need to develop local green economies is obvious, Danaher said at the Seattle Green Festival last weekend.
In the new green economy, life values rule over commerce, he said. “Life is sacred and commerce is just an activity.”
Green economic sectors are doing well and are growing faster than the rest of the economy. Danaher sees great potential for geo thermal, wind, and solar energy.
He gave examples of trends and activities that are occurring:
- Colleges are greening their campuses to attract students. See www.globalcitizencenter.org for information on how students and faculty can develop a sustainability plan for their campus.
- A two-year degree is being offered in energy efficiency for computer server farms.
- The number of green jobs is increasing. See www.globalcitizencenter.org for details.
- More than 900 cities have signed on to the Kyoto Protocols.
- Solar panels to heat water are found on many roofs in China.
- City and state governments are saving money by going green. Los Angeles has installed LED light bulbs to reduce carbon emissions. Salt Lake City is capturing and using methane from a sewage treatment plant to provide electricity. San Francisco has a fleet of green vehicles
- The Institute for Self-Reliance is working on regulations that better serve the public and communities in The New Rules Project.
- The International Council for Local and Environmental Initiatives is a group of local, regional, and national government organizations that have made a commitment to sustainable development.
- Green VC provides news and resources on green venture capital, funding, and startups.
- Natural Capitalism Solutions offers tools to help green businesses succeed.
The Green Movement, based on sustainable local values and action, is changing the nature of the world, Danaher said. In the cultural shift, people are solutionaries, not revolutionaries.
Global Exchange and Green America, formerly Co-op America, sponsor the Seattle Green Festival.
