Natural Advantage of Nations

While vested interests argue and parry over the use and misuse of fossil fuels, at present, one source sets out key elements of our future prosperity in a rapidly changing world.

Hargroves, K., & M.H. Smith (2006). The Natural Advantage of Nations. Sterling VA: Earthscan. ($19.77), 527 pp.

This is a follow up on the findings published in Factor Four and links it to the business community, this is a detailed treatment of progress, competitiveness and robust sustainability. This covers, social, economic and environmental aspects of rapid changes, how to take advantage and direct payment up front is cheaper than payment down the line. There are four Forewards, including those by both Amory and Hunter Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute (www.rmi.org).

While many believe the tipping point for environmental devastation may be frighteningly close, people with the commitment to implement solutions we already know can solve the problems are close at hand. Many of these solutions come from communities across Australia and Asia.

Current business models and practices are a "crumbling cliff." Peter Drucker is quoted, "In the next society, the biggest challenge for the large company - especially for the multinational - may be its social legitimacy: its values, its missions its visions." These apply to discussions herein regarding Royal Dutch Shell, Mobil, GM, Detroit, Toyota and Honda.

To a large extent we value and promote Prii for social, not economy legitimacy. This follows in the footsteps of IBM and Dow moves toward greater efficiency.