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Wanted - A New Generation of Environmental Leaders |
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{mosimage}“Each and every one of us can make changes in the way we live our lives and become part of the solution [to climate change.]”
Al Gore, Nobel Prize Winner and 45th Vice President of the United States
Do you want to be part of the solution to Climate Change? There has been a massive increase in media coverage and awareness of climate change over the last few years. What we now need is leadership that will turn our awareness and anxiety into the will to take action, and then follow through with long-term solutions. At every level, from communities and businesses to national governments and the United Nations, we need leaders more than at any time in our history. Environmental Leadership is the most important element in confronting the urgent challenge of Climate Change.
Why is Environmental Leadership so Important?
The Planet is in crisis. There is almost complete consensus amongst
scientists that climate change is a major and dangerous threat to both
humanity and the ecosystems of the planet. The greater need is not for
more science or data to prove there is a problem, but for leadership to
tackle this issue head on.
Convert knowledge into Action. We have the knowledge to tackle this
crisis. There are already a wide range of available technologies, tax
instruments and policies that could mitigate climate change and
eventually reduce the threat. Strong leadership would greatly
accelerate their implementation and effectiveness
We have the financial resources. The nearly trillion dollars spent on
the Iraq and Afghanistan war would have gone a long way to tackling
climate change. Indeed, the irony is that spending money on
alternatives to fossil fuels would reduce dependence on oil from areas
of high risk and conflict, which would in turn save money and reduce
the risk of war. It is environmental leadership that will provide the
vision, the will and the ingenuity to divert resources towards dealing
with climate change.
Public Demand for Leadership. Public awareness and pressure for change
has never been higher. Al Gore and the IPCC have just won the Nobel
Peace Prize. Every survey shows strong popular support for action,
including in the USA. People are looking to business to provide
leadership. In 2007 the Cone Consumer Survey reported that 93% of
Americans believe companies have a responsibility to help preserve the
environment. http://www.coneinc.com/content69.html
We cannot do it on our own. Unfortunately the scale and intricacy of
the required changes are beyond individuals to bring about on their
own; our behaviours are intricately embedded in complex socio-economic
systems dependent on fossil fuels. Leadership is required in business
to develop low-cost renewable energy; in government to provide the
incentives and regulation to promote renewable energies and reduce
carbon emissions; and across society to encourage new values and
behaviours which ensure we change our lifestyles and adopt
renewables.
What is an Environmental Leader?
Environmental leaders are agents of change. They create urgency,
develop an inspiring vision and mobilise people to take action towards
achieving their environmental mission. They are imaginative and
flexible, finding ways to align organisational and environmental goals
whatever type of activity they engage in.
Environmental Leaders are motivated by feelings of connection and love
for the earth. They want more than just a payslip from their day’s
efforts. They know that to achieve their full potential, they need a
cause that is greater than their own self-interest. They do well by
doing good.
They know they are part of nature and that everyone’s well-being
ultimately depends on the well-being of our ecosystems, which support
life itself. Living sustainably means being compassionate to all
species, and this includes humans. When people live sustainably, they
are looking after current and future generations. They are acting as
stewards, accountable to our children and grandchildren. This is
authentic leadership.
How do I become an Environmental Leader?
You can start anywhere – at home, at college, in the office or in your
community. The key is to take action. If you want to integrate your
personal values and your professional career then there are a number of
exciting options for you in business, non-profits and the public
sector.
Bright Green has been created to identify and support environmental
leaders. Everyone in our organisation has decided that the best use of
our time, energies, and skills is to recruit current and future
environmental leaders for our clients on both sides of the Atlantic. We
work with corporations, start-ups, NGOs, and government agencies with a
strong commitment to the environment and corporate social
responsibility. We have also set up an office in California, and we are
encouraging the brightest and best of our respective generations to
dedicate their careers to promoting sustainability.
We want to help our candidates become leaders and we want to help our
clients recruit leaders. We believe this is the best way of helping
organisations improve society and our planet.
For more information about Bright Green, please visit us at www.brightgreentalent.com
Paul Hannam October 16 2007
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