What's Next For The Green Economy??

[EcoConnoisseur]

I happen to deeply agree with the wisdom a Tom Friedman (that we cannot consume of way out of this mess and "Have you ever been to a revolution where nobody gets hurt?"). The fact is that the current economic conditions will cause a lot of companies to close their doors, and those that will fight to stay alive will need to figure out -- What's Next?

What do you think?

I set up an emergency panel discussion with some very bright Green leaders, but I curious to find out what questions you might have so I can pose them to the panel...

Our Distinguished Panel includes:

Glenn Croston, Ph.D.
Author of "75 Green Businesses", Glenn Croston is committed to helping
entrepreneurs build and grow profitable businesses that solve
environmental challenges. Writing for Fast Company, Entrepreneur,
TheStreet.com, Renewable Energy Weekly and other outlets, he
highlights opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs
to build businesses that create a brighter, greener future for us all.


Jan P. Schalkwijk, CFA
Principal and Founder of JPS Global Investments, a San Diego-based
investment advisor, focusing on sustainable investing. It is JPS
Global's belief that one does not have to sacrifice return potential
by adding environmental and social criteria to the investment process.
As a long-term investor, JPS Global believes that companies with
sustainable business practices will ultimately outperform those that
have unsustainable business models. As such, sustainable investing has
financial and environmental/societal rewards, which are both paramount
to the clients' future.

Oren Jaffe, Sustainability Expert
(Note: Oren will be Teleconferenced in from San Fransisco, Ca)
Co-Founder of EcoTuesday.com, a Sustainable Business Leaders
networking forum based in San Francisco, California, and a Principal
at BlueMap Inc., an environmental consulting firm that specializes in
quantifying sustainability decisions by helping organizations lower
their environmental impact while concurrently saving them time and
money. Oren's sustainable business experience includes working for
Bureau Veritas (BV) Consumer Products Services, a multi-billion dollar
global risk management, health & safety, environmental compliance, and
social auditing corporation, where he managed the social compliance
division helping Fortune 500 clients more effectively and profitably
build global sustainable supply chain programs. Oren was also a
founding member of the corporate sustainability development team at BV.

Dave Iverson, Economist
(Note: Dave will be Teleconferenced in from Pleasant View, Utah)
A Social Scientist, Economist, and Environmental Activist. Dave has
been working in forest management and public lands management all his
adult life. For the past 29 years, Dave worked for the US Forest
Service (retired 11/30/07), dealing with land management and public
policy played out at the confluence of complex, adaptive natural
systems and complex, adaptive, and politically wicked social systems.
Before that he also did a short stint with Weyerhaeuser Corporation.
Dave is a founding board member for Forest Service Employees for
Environmental Ethics (FSEEE) and has played a minor role in the
genesis of Public Employees For Environmental Responsibility (PEER).

[greenteadrinker]

In a few days, the oil man will be out of office and we can start to make real progress. Green jobs
will become the norm, and many will stay here in the U.S.
So it's all good and we can finally move, successfully, to a better future on this rock we call home.

[yoder]

I certainly hope that Obama and a Democratic Congress will at least make a token gesture to sustainable energy and practices. Not holding my breath, but I am hopeful.

So far the Democrats have succeeded in accomplishing squat as the "majority party". If they are not given a filibuster proof majority in the Senate, it will just be more of the same, because the Dem leaders have not figured out that the republicans don't want to kiss and make up and skip off into the sunset holding hands and singing Kumbaya. In short, the Dems have not figured out how to fight (which includes playing rough like the republicans) for their constituents and I don't see that changing.

The Dems still wet themselves at the mere mention of the word "Socialist" and then go out of their way to show everyone that they are no different than the republicans, which pretty much defeats the purpose of having multiple parties.

But, against my better judgment, I am still hopeful.

[guajero]

I hope we get some low tech green initiatives. Solar air heaters and water heaters for all!
Gj

[EcoConnoisseur]

This is a Special Panel Discussion To Answer Your Toughest Questions and Provide Green Investors and Green Entrepreneurs With Positive and Meaningful Insight and Honest Outlook... Panelists are being asked the following (Unedited):

Will a Green Economy Rebound Faster From Financial Turmoil? Will the current banking chaos reduce innovation in the green tech sector such as solar panels and hydrogen cars? And Is there a new green technology that the media is not talking about due to the elections that would have been developed sooner had the current financial crisis not taken place?

Will consumers stick with Green during tough times?

What do you think Google's Next Big Green pick will be?

What is the next administration really facing that's not being talked about in the media?

Are non green companies still jump on board the the Green Wave or are the jumping ship?

Are there any studies or signs the green food companies are profitable and appealing to large non-green companies that want to acquire them?

Are there any academically validated theories on how to pick stocks, startup stocks in particular?

Is high nonrenewable prices the only way to reach the point where we significantly shift to renewable energy?? Or are we toast??

What Does Economic Populism Mean For The Green Economy?

Bottom line: Does America need a energy technology bubble just like the information technology bubble?

1st) Has Goldman Sachs' strategy to support "Sustainability" help them weather the storm and avoid collapse, and 2nd) Warren Buffet isn't stupid, So has Smart Money finally gotten wise to the writing on the wall (street) and make large large bets on those that are betting on Green? 3rd) Who's the next Billionaire to money the money??

Is Thomas Friedman the prime leading indicator of the conventional wisdom for this new Economy??

T. Boone promises the largest transfer of wealth in history... Is he right or full of oil?

Will toyota and honda bury the big 3? and will Tesla, Fisker, Aptera become the next big 3?

Is investment in Renewable Energy too risky right now because of low oil prices?

Does Carbon Regulation cause real job creation?

63% of Americans claim they believe that tackling climate change will benefit the economy (despite the crisis on Wall Street), according to new consumer research. Do any of you believe this??

I have a friend who lost 300K in WaMu bonds... What can we all do to save ourselves from losing everything?

Are IPO's a death sentence or what?

Will so-called angel investors follow the smart money and put their own funds (in new record amounts) into the youngest of companies -- including outfits that are pursuing the most innovative, but not yet commercially viable, approaches to serious problems of global warming? Or will this kind of seed-stage investing that traditional venture funds have largely abandoned, jump ship, run and hide because they're scared?

I'm curious to know about green collar jobs. Where will the opportunities
be and what kinds of education will be most valuable?


Bill McKibben, the Author of Deep Economy, is arguing that we don't have enough time for "green capitalism" to react and respond to avert the climate crisis. This raises the fascinating issue of how quickly capitalism does adapt. How quickly do you think our entire system will adapt? Bill sounds pessimistic arguing that our free market Titanic will hit the iceberg even though we are now incentivized and awake and trying to avoid it!

Is now a good time to start a social/ sustainable startup?

Should innovation in the financial services industry be the most important priority of the next administration and progress in engineering green savings bonds as Friedman suggests?

Khosla in an article: (contends that hydrogen fuels are a dead end! Although he drives a hybrid car, he believes that hybrids won't significantly slow global warming. And he's convinced that, in most places, energy from solar panels will for many years be much too expensive. He also says "There are only four problems with global warming," he tells me, "oil, coal, cement, and steel. If we do those four, we're done.") Is he correct or arrogant and short minded like so many have observed?

Will "Smart Grid" outpace "Thin Film" in raising capital or will Tide Energy, Algae shock us?? Bill Gates shocked me recently, so What's Next??

Will Cleantech reach a fourth quarter of record capital raising?

I am a struggling San Diego based organic farmer/horticulturist... I have seen the decimation of Agriculture in the So Cal region over the last 30+ years... It has reached a point of "no-return". We are now as dependent on our food supply as we are energy! Why energy was never regarded as a National Security issue after the Iran embargo I'll never know... and now as Chilean avocados are sold in San Diego markets--the one time "avocado capital" we talk about global warming/carbon footprints at mealtime, as foreign foods arrive long distance by truck and boat... Is food production not a National Security issue? Energy? Water? Or is this status only reserved for failing banks and huge auto makers....

Will an Eco Investor become a Celebrity in today's new Economy? I like my privacy!


Will the US Climate Brand Index make a difference?

Will Khosla continue to be the world's foremost investor in environmental startups or will Doerr or Pickens do him in and or show him how it's done?

Is the sky falling for alternative energy?

Will Kleiner Perkins die if they're wrong by "betting the farm"? I'm ready to bet the farm!

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008


7:45 am - 11:30 am Pacific


Panel Discussion Begins Sharp - 9am PT, 12pm ET





Submit Your Questions



Right Here!



EcoInvestors [at] gmail.com





*Note: International Listeners May Register Now - Click Link Below



Reserve your Webinar seat now at:

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/124526391





*Note: Local San Diego Members and Non-Members May Register For



"In Person" or Click Link above to "Listen In"


Reserve your In Person seat now at: http://eicsandiego.eventbrite.com/

Ask, Ask, Ask!!

[Belindance]

I guess I think about how will be re-educate the public to except and want green-living? It all starts with children, who value a I-pod over clean water, air, food, etc. Who controls what children want? What we want? What we care about?

Being a child of the 60's maybe it was different for me. I was in Girl Scouts, which based on loving the environment not what Parish Hilton is wearing. OUR priorities I think are what are important to set about developing first. We have to know what we want!

We can't wait to develop the best technology, then go green. Just like any technology we develop better overtime. It's all about advertising, and the power of the dollar. People have to be convinced they want a better earth for their children. Then teach them what products are safe, that it's worth paying a little more now, but in the long run the price will be lower. In medical cost for their children!!!!

People have to believe they have the power to make a difference, with little choices they make each day. Where they buy their food, where did that item come from, is it organic, does this company care about what it does to the earth.

Bring back that beautiful PSA to the airwaves, Iron eyes Cody there's 3 of them. I have them on my blog to watch. I can't tell you how many people that affected, and remember it. Small changes, new values, power of choice, more green products available, better education of us and our children. Start in the schools, and the kids will teach the parents(green initiative). They are going to inherit the earth, teach them to be green! That's my 2 and 1/2 cents!

[Ian Gordon]

Well the financial crisis will allow politicians to drag their feet on the issue of our generation; the far greater crisis with our world. Interesting how a democratic backlash that brought Democrats to power in congress happened just prior to a crisis that effectively binds the hands of a (likely) incoming Democratic president. It will be interesting to see what a (likely) Democratic President and a congressional majority brings to the world's table. I'd venture to say probably not much.

I believe that waiting for the Executive or the national Legislature to do the sane thing is something of a forlorn hope. Democracy seems to listen more to the people at the local and state level.

[EcoConnoisseur]

On Nov 5th, you'll get to hear from our New Panelist...

Scott Edward Anderson, CleanTech Investor and Social Capitalist

(Note: Scott will be Teleconferenced in)
An award-winning poet, change agent, clean tech investor, and social capitalist. Anderson is also the Founder of the popular blog, the green skeptic: blogging the new green economy.™ He is currently developing a green energy investing start-up. He has been a vice president with Ashoka, the global association of leading social entrepreneurs, and for 15 years served in a variety of management positions with The Nature Conservancy, where he was a member of its Global Climate Change and Marine Habitat strategy teams and the Philanthropy Cabinet. He was part of the first cohort of John Sawhill Conservation Leadership Fellows, is currently a Senior Fellow with the Environmental Leadership Program, and serves on the advisory board of Green Microfinance, LLC, which develops and markets green energy products and certifies microfinance institutions through its branded
certification product.

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

7:45 am - 11:30 am Pacific

Panel Discussion Begins Sharp - 9am PT, 12pm ET


Submit Your Questions For Mr. Anderson Right Here!

EcoInvestors@gmail.com


*Note: International/Local Listeners May Register Now - Click Link Below

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/124526391


*Note: Local San Diego Members and Non-Members May Register For

"In Person" or Click Link above to "Listen In"

Reserve your In Person seat now at: http://eicsandiego.eventbrite.com/

[EcoConnoisseur]

New Questions:

Will EcoInvestors provide support for land development industry-led initiatives to develop projects which balance the needs of people, planet and profit - for today and future generations?

Is Clean Coal real or an illusion for political gain?

Who is in the drivers seat of this new green economy?

I think is vital is: "With reference to 'green' -- What are the changes to individual and collective consciousness wrought by this recession?"



Whoa! Great questions right! Ask more and more! Out time is now! www.ecoinvestmentclub.com

[EcoConnoisseur]

Check out our post back in March and see our meetings if you're curious!
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/03 ... _diego.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0u3OAXzPgM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHk5bO7r--w

[paystolivegreen]

From a investing perspective, a lot of the renewable energy companies are starting to really pick up and make big gains. This could mean more and more private investers are trying to get into the renewable energy market especially since tax credits were put into the bailout bill. It should be interesting to see what happens in the next few years.

[Marshal-Green]

I would like to see a green solution that is economical for space travel. If we can just find an efficient way to get into space, we basically would have infinite resources to work with. I would like to see a special solar power plant station built that would safely beam the energy back to earth, and finally it would allow us to eventually address one of the largest problems Earth faces: overpopulation.

A bit more down to earth: How possible is it that the US could convert to more mass transit such as solar or wind powered monorail systems and other alternatives to cars?

Let's hope progress will be made in the next few years.

[EcoConnoisseur]

See the articles on Fast Company and Ecopreneurist!

http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/glenn-c ... esses/what
http://ecopreneurist.com/2008/11/05/75- ... /#comments

Our Good Friend: Ron Robins from Canada also joined us on panel:
http://enlightenedeconomics.wordpress.com/

[EcoConnoisseur]

Here is some food for thought:


In an entrepreneur's survey conducted by Ernst & Young:

* only 20% of responding entrepreneurs say their executive management and board completely understand climate change legislation and risk

* 30% of respondents think the impact of climate change is very important to their companies
* 51% say they have increased their focus on climate change in the past 2 years
* 47% say they do spend any money on climate change related activities
* 53% plan to spend on climate change related activities in the next 5 years focused on cost savings and efficiency opportunities
o 32% will spend in integrating clean technologies into internals or supply chain systems
o 29% will spend creating new or modified internal policies and procedures


http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/E ... aspx?guid={355D52B6-B664-412D-945B-64CF45333DDA}

Economy not the Deciding Factor in Starting New Businesses, According to Entrepreneurs Surveyed by Ernst & Young LLP

Last update: 8:45 a.m. EST Nov. 5, 2008

NEW YORK, Nov 05, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Entrepreneurs' attitude toward the economy reflects concern, but positive long-term outlook

A new survey of Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists and winners explores the attitudes of entrepreneurs toward top-of-mind issues, including the economy, government and climate change. The majority of the 116 respondents indicated that the strength of the economy was not the deciding factor in determining when to start their companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year program is now in its 22nd year, and its average winners have $350 million or more in yearly revenues, 20% annual growth, and over 1,000 employees.

Despite worries that the US economy is weaker than most people believe (50%), entrepreneurs participating in the survey indicated that they think the US economy will continue to be the world's strongest (54%). The majority (61%) founded their companies in a healthier economic time, but overwhelmingly (92%) stated they would have founded their company regardless of the state of the economy.

Although entrepreneurs are active in the political sphere, those participating in the survey believe the government could do more to support new businesses. Respondents overwhelmingly (72%) stated that the government doesn't do enough to support entrepreneurs; 73% are personally involved in public policy issues and 64% have petitioned a politician for policy change.

More than half (53%) of entrepreneurs surveyed think the most important contribution they make to the US economy is to create jobs. Additionally, almost one-third of those surveyed (28%) believe the most significant contribution entrepreneurs can make is to promote innovation and improve quality of life for their customers. Those surveyed contribute to charity; 44% donated $50,000 or more in the past year.

"The American economy is built on the backs of entrepreneurs," said Larry Haynes, Americas Director, Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year program. "This survey illustrates the contribution entrepreneurs make by creating jobs, improving local communities and bolstering the larger US economy. They are ready to make adjustments and continue striving for growth and success; in fact, nearly three-quarters of entrepreneurs we surveyed believe they will innovate and find opportunities in the current economy."

Coping with economic challenges
Entrepreneurs have already taken steps to adjust to the economic downturn. In the last 24 months, 44% of survey participants reduced spending, 29% reduced their workforce and 29% refinanced debt. On a positive note, 32% sought acquisitions and 67% said they increased the number of employees by an average of 14% in the past year. Respondents are particularly concerned about the cost of health care and energy; 50% and 49%, respectively, reported those issues as having the most significant negative effect on their companies. Health care costs for respondents' companies, for example, rose an average of 15.49% per company last year.

When it comes to seeking additional funding, entrepreneurs participating in the survey indicated that they are looking towards private equity (73%). Another 12% would consider a private wealth fund infusion. Twenty-seven percent postponed an IPO or another strategic transaction in the last 24 months.

Entrepreneurs evaluating business response to climate change
While only 20% of responding entrepreneurs say their executive management and board completely understand climate change legislation and risk, 30% of respondents think the impact of climate change is very important to their companies. Entrepreneurs participating in the survey are not sure how to respond to climate change, however - 31% view assessing the impact of climate change as a challenge.

Over half of respondents (51%) say they have increased their focus on climate change in the past 2 years, but 53% say they do not spend any money on climate change related activities. Another 41% do not plan to spend on climate change related activities in the next 5 years. Activities reflect more cost savings than investment; those who do plan to allocate funds to address climate change will spend their money identifying cost savings/efficiency opportunities (53%), integrating clean technologies into internals or supply chain systems (32%), or creating new or modified internal policies and procedures (29%).

Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 22nd anniversary in 2008. Awards are given to entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. This year's awards take place on November 15th in Palm Springs, California, as the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

About Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year
Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

About Ernst & Young's Strategic Growth Markets Practice
Ernst & Young's Strategic Growth Markets (SGM) practice guides the leading high-growth companies. Our multi-disciplinary team of elite professionals provides perspective and advice to help our clients accelerate market leadership. SGM delivers assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services to thousands of companies spanning all industries. Ernst & Young is the undisputed leader in taking companies public, advising key government agencies on the issues impacting high-growth companies, and convening the experts who shape the business climate. For more information, please visit us at http://www.ey.com/us/strategicgrowthmarkets.

About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 135,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.
For more information, please visit http://www.ey.com.
Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited located in the US.
SOURCE Ernst & Young LLP

http://www.ey.com

[EcoConnoisseur]

Glenn Croston Answers, Panel Discussion
EcoInvestmentClub.com
November 5, 2008
“What’s Next for the Green Economy”

Glenn Croston is the author of “75 Green Businesses You Can Start to Make Money and Make a Difference”, laying out green business opportunities for a broad range of people to pursue (www.75GreenBusinesses.com). He’s also the green business blogger for Fast Company, and the founder of Starting Up Green (www.StartingUpGreen.com) helping entrepreneurs build successful green businesses.

Q: Will consumers stick with green during tough times?

Green consumers are diverse, and there responses to the economy will be too.
Why were they buying green in the first place?
For affluent LOHAS who have money and have buying green for years, they are not going to stop now.
If green was an expensive luxury a person can no longer afford, then maybe not. Being green does not mean a business or product is immune from the economy.
If green provides added value to an already strong product, then it should do well. All other things being equal, people will chose the green product if costs are similar. More mainstream products may fall in this category.
If green helps people and businesses save money, it should do well. Examples include cost effective lighting, air duct repairs, weatherstripping, insulation, or power purchase agreements for solar. Many of these investments pay for themselves.

One way to look at the current economy is that when things are tough, businesses need to get tough as well, getting lean to survive. Investing in green may be more important than ever now in areas that provide demonstrable savings by getting more efficient with fuel, energy, and other resources.

Q: Are high nonrenewable energy prices the only way to shift to renewable energy, or are we toast?

Economics drives (almost) everything. Environmentalists were telling us all to drive smaller cars for decades, with little success when oil was cheap. As soon as gas hit $4.50 a gallon, there were millions of new environmentalists driving less and buying smaller cars. A few people will change their ways because it’s the right thing. Most people change when it hits their wallet.

But we are not at the mercy of the oil market though - We are not toast. No matter what the market does to the price of oil, smart policy can still make a difference and drive economics in the right direction. Government plays a key role here. By putting a price on carbon, we help shift the economy away from coal and toward renewable energy. By putting a cost on oil and requiring increased fuel efficiency, we move drivers, cars, and all associated technologies toward a consistent long term direction that helps everybody. It may not be easy, but it can be done, and has been done by others. Europe and Japan did not abandon fuel efficiency when oil was cheap, and as a result they are today way ahead of us. We need to learn the value of consistent long term policy.

Q: Is investment in renewable energy too risky right now because of the low price of oil?

Oil won’t stay low forever – it can’t. What happens to oil in the short term is hard or impossible to predict, but the long term trend is absolutely predictable. Oil is a finite resource, getting harder to develop, and developing economies will continue to grow and use more in the years and decades ahead. I can’t say how long oil will stay at its present price, or when it will head back up again - nobody knows. But it will. If you are in investments for the long term, then betting against fossil fuels and in favor of renewable energy does not seem that risky.

The long term drivers are:
Rising price of oil and natural gas (they will rise again)
Improving technology and decreasing costs of renewables
Climate change legislation (still likely)
Renewable energy mandates, portfolio standards (state and federal level)

Some renewable energy stocks have really been hammered lately, worse than the rest of the market. Vestas, the Danish wind company, was recently down 75%, not because of anything the company did, but assumptions about the impact of financing on its ability to deliver projects. Unless they go belly up, if someone has the patience and can take risk, this might be the best time to invest. Warren Buffett recently said “When everybody is greedy, be afraid. When everyone is afraid, be greedy”. Maybe that sums it up.

Q: T. Boone Pickens promises the biggest transfer of wealth in history … Is he right or full of oil?

Mr. Pickens talks about the transfer of wealth that is already happening, hundreds of billions from the US to oil producing countries. By developing renewable energy here in the US we can keep more of that here to benefit our own economy. He’s certainly right about that. Energy is a multi-trillion dollar industry that is ripe for change. We can either have orderly change, a managed transition, or we can drive this oil-driven economy as fast as possible and run off the cliff. We have to figure out still if we have the foresight and will to choose one path over the other.

Q: Does carbon regulation tackling climate change create jobs or help the economy?

Some feel that action on climate change is an expensive proposition and is unnecessary or not worth it, but taking action on climate change is one of the biggest business opportunities of our time. Like it or not, the data on climate change is there and it’s not good. See the Stern report. If we keep on doing nothing, which is about what has happened so far, a few decades down the road the cost is far greater than taking action.

Or we can take on this opportunity. We need a unified global approach to climate change, with the US playing a leadership role. Rather than dragging our feet, what if we step up to the challenge and see it as an opportunity? What if our businesses are developing new technologies for cheap renewable energy and low carbon living, and selling this to everyone else? Putting a price on carbon and allowing the market to get to work finding solutions rewards innovation and drives the economy in the right direction. Leaving things as they are, depleting natural capital and destroying ecosystem services, puts an unimaginable burden on future generations, an incalculably high cost down the road, far greater than the investment that we can make today to make it happen. The cost of solutions is exaggerated by the opponents of action, and the cost of inaction underestimated. If we take action and become leaders, the world will beat a path to our door, creating jobs, companies, etc. That path sounds like a good one to me.

Join the Eco Investment Club today! www.ecoinvestmentclub.com