Converging on the green movement
MaRS is about convergence and this weekend is about the Earth. Well, the best article I have read on the realpolitik of convergence of the “green” movement, politics and economics was recently published in the New York Times Sunday Magazine by Thomas L. Friedman, the man who told us that “The World Is Flat”.
The article is classic Friedman – opinionated, pragmatic, thought-provoking, incisive, and doable. The last adjective is why I like Friedman’s writing so much; he takes complex problems and develops simple paradigms which resonate loudly. I recommend this article for people who want to see the convergence of many important issues.
Read the article (registration required): The Power of Green
Peter Tolnai is a special advisor to MaRS on the formation of capital pools and works with the MaRS Venture Group on attracting investment capital to MaRS-sponsored businesses.
I just did a survey of angels. I spoke to many who are looking to alt energy. I also talked to an angel, Peter Klamka, who used a public shell to acquire an interest in a solar company.
Posted by: James Lowert on April 22nd, 2007 at 12:05 am
Not everyone is as supportive of Friedman’s arguments as you are, Peter. Check out the scathing review of his views in NOW Magazine’s “From greed to green: How the energy elites are fuelling the new right-wing eco revolution”
Of course, one expects such eco-outrage from this particular publication, but what are your thoughts on this? Any merit to their arguments?
Posted by: Cathy @ MaRS on April 27th, 2007 at 10:09 am
Well, I can agree that Friedman is excellent at self-promotion and “branding” issues with great names. But arguing about Friedman obscures the real point.
The REAL point is that green-tech has to become mainstream in the world, and with a truly global problem, some country has to exercise some leadership. The US has sunk terribly low in world opinion, and the green agenda could raise it significantly. I agree the US have to do some things smarter (e.g. the ethanol program is a joke, IMHO). Nevertheless, you have to allow them to make some mistakes in the quest for the “best” solutions.
Posted by: Peter T @ MaRS on May 1st, 2007 at 8:38 am