Thoughts
Substantial progress has been made in the U.S. and other developed countries in controlling pollution and in protecting land and biodiversity. Intelligent law and public policy by government and diligent effort to comply and cleanup by industry and municipalities-- both driven by an engaged public --have achieved good results.
Much better results will be achieved when we succeed in internalizing environmental thinking in decisionmakers in the agriculture, transportation, building, and energy sectors that are the source of the largest remaining problems. The picture in much of the developing world is grim. Both poverty and desired economic growth degrade the environment unless there is commensurate development of public and private sector capacity to govern and manage resources sustainably. There are huge needs for investment in environmental technology and in building the capability of people to deploy and use it to improve their lives and their futures. The looming threat of climate change and galloping degradation of ocean resources present unparalleled technical and political challenges to a world community that has to collaborate and doesn't do that well. U.S. leadership is essential to move the agenda of work forward. I think philanthropists and nonprofits in all fields, including environment, should be challenging the status quo, looking for new ways to solve problems, and helping local people to test new approaches. They should be able to take a longer view than either business or governmental institutions. |
