Governor Schwarzenegger hosted an extraordinary gathering in Los Angeles a few weeks ago.
From September 30 to October 2 an extraordinary gathering took place in Los Angeles: The Governors’ Global Climate Summit. STAND FOR LESS “attended” this event as virtual guests. Our team crowded around our computers as leaders spoke. Because of the webcast we were able to participate in the event at no cost.
What good are gatherings of this type where national and international leaders come together, give speeches and share ideas? We assert that such meetings can be very good and in fact are vital to our future. When people discuss climate change they tap into issues that directly affect all species on this planet—from the continued ability of our ecosystems to survive to daily issues that affect our economy.
STAND FOR LESS reported live on the event through our Facebook and twitter accounts. Here is a small sampling of some of the words that were spoken in Los Angeles:
“America has lost our groove as a country . . . I am focused on how we get our groove back. We need to take on the world’s biggest problems, the problems of the world becoming Hot, Flat, and Crowded.” –Author and reporter Thomas Friedman
“While people around the world may have different governments we all share one ecosystem.” –Actor Rob Lowe
“What sort of economy do we want in the future? A sustainable one and a low-carbon one.” Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
“California has shown that the fastest growing job sector is in the green economy, growing ten times faster than any other sector.” –Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
“Green is the new red, white and blue.” –Thomas Friedman
At STAND FOR LESS we believe that words matter. Actions follow words.
What does Friedman mean when he says that green is the new red, white and blue? Why is it important that in the toughest economy since the Depression, California’s governor recognizes green jobs are one of the few bright spots? What do you think of Prime Minister Blair’s point that our economy must become sustainable? What are the consequences of it not becoming sustainable? Have we lost our groove as a country?
If you’re a regular reader you can guess how we would answer these questions, but what do you think? We encourage you to watch video from the event which is available online.
Tags: California, Global Cimate Summit, Governor Scharzenegger, Rob Lowe, STAND FOR LESS, Thomas Friedman, Tony Blair