Adapt and Thrive: The Sustainable Revolution by Peter J. McManners
Part 1 outlines the coming of the Sustainable Revolution. The policy of globalisation is sucking resources from the earth at an increasing rate, driving activities to places of lowest environmental and social standards; whilst the policy of sustainability is seeking to persuade people, organisations and corporations to behave responsibly towards social issues and the environment. Our current mechanisms of capitalism cannot handle these diverging forces. The established order of how we run society and institutions is set to be overthrown and the landscape reconfigured. Many elements within society will have to adapt or die. We will all be affected and will all have to respond; but throughout this disruption business will be the most effective agent for change. Out of this, a new reality will emerge, based on selfish determination to construct successful, sustainable societies. In Part 2, a wide range of issues are examined; from climate change, energy and agriculture to transportation, manufacturing and urban living. Predictions as to how society will evolve are linked with innovative proposals to ensure that our future will be sustainable and profitable for those who lead the adaptation. There are huge opportunities which can be exploited by companies with vision and agility. Part 3 shows the way to force the pace of change. Improving our capital markets and extending our economics can focus society on better social provision and protection of the environment. Business can do more than merely survive the transition, but can thrive on the opportunities which arise. Forcing the pace of change is not only vital because the health of our planet is at risk, but also because there are profits to be made from saving the world.