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Converging on the green movement

By Peter Tolnai @ MaRS
April 20, 2007
 

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 “greenâ€? 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 Flatâ€?.

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

  • James Lowert

    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.

  • http://test webgoddesscathy @ MaRS

    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?

  • http://blog.marsdd.com Peter T @ MaRS

    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.

Peter Tolnai @ MaRS

Peter Tolnai @ MaRS

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.

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