Over the past 16 years, I have been involved in 5 successful startup companies ranging from an energy company, to several .com companies. Now I am focusing all of my attention on creating the tipping point in the sustainability movement by pushing initiatives in government, business and the broader social landscape. 
Many people are curious, what I am doing since I left Powerset. Well, the short story is that I have decided to dedicate myself to what I call the new Green Economy and I am working on several initiatives with other leaders in government and businesses that all fall under the responsibility of non-profit that I am founding called SF Green. 
Have you seen the now famous video of a scientist offering compelling evidence against global warming. What if it were true?About a week ago, one of my readers asked me if I had seen the video and what my take on it was. I thought it would be interesting for you to see the video and read my response. I think my take on the issue might be slightly different than you might think.
Yes, I have seen this video many times - and I have decided to blog about this in an upcoming story because I really want to make sure that I differentiate my personal position on global warming. So here is goes:
I am not a tree hugger, nor a tree hater. I am a realist that sees the world is about to change in a major way whether anyone likes it or not- and I want to be part of it.
There are arguments for and arguments against global warming, but if you look carefully, I never take a position on these arguments. Why? Because I actually think they are not relevant.
It actually doesn't matter to me whether or not we are causing global warming right now or not.
To me the real question is "is the way in which humans are currently living sustainable?" and for me that answer is "no" regardless of the global warming question. It is very simple logic to get to the point of understanding that using finite natural resources like oil, coal and natural potable water to support a growing population of humans is simply not sustainable over the long run.
And that is true regardless of Al Gore's video or this video.
The second argument that I generally do not take a position on is "When will we reach peak oil and peak water?" Why? The same reason, I don't think that is the right question. The right question is "when do consumers think we are running out of oil and water?" and the answer to that is clearly "now." Once that answer is now, then consumers demand Green products, businesses create Green products and Governments support Green products.
And that is why Green is important today even if one can make an argument that we have plenty of these resources today.
In the rare event when Governments, Business and Consumers are all aligned in a global phenomenon, then power shifts occur, societies change and fundamental building blocks are laid that will affect us for a century or more.
And that is why I am involved in Green.
Comments
I commend you for being man enough to say that global warming may, or may not, be true (and that it doesn't matter).
However, it's not obviously true that we are going to run out of resources. Breakthroughs in solar, nanotech, fusion, and other technologies could radically alter our relationship to and dependence on oil. So, maybe consumers are just misinformed about Green =)
Posted by: Mark Johnson | February 25, 2008 10:52 AM