Business Case for Sustainability
Beth Dixson writes …
The Financial Times (12-4-09, page 9: “Why Obama does not want a multipolar world order” by Zaki Laidi) has an excellent article on the uses and aspects of power in today’s global mix. Deep within the article is an idea:
…”the world currently shares three global agendas: the strategic agenda that continues to be massively dominated by the US, the economic agenda, which is more widely distributed, and the climate agenda, where the US is clearly on the defensive….”
What this suggests is a position can be taken within the US community that lagging in sustainability mind set, interests, and capability is further weakening its strategic and economic interests globally. While a “values” argument has slower traction in our culture as yet (although rising in attractiveness in many quarters), a business case might be constructed by learning leaders for off setting a diminishing power base and a diluted economic one as reason to consider the green agenda.
It also suggests we have a large potential audience (within the US — not so much credibility abroad) for influencing a shift in mind set, creating critical mass within over time, towards sustainability as good business.
We are a pragmatic nation. If we can craft a pragmatic argument, building momentum around it, there is vast potential yet to be unleashed and harnessed for prosperity in all respects.
Powerful ideas Beth–thanks for putting your thoughts out there. What do you all think? Do you have examples of strong cases for sustainability?
Tags: Beth Dixson, sustainability