So here’s the good news: we absolutely have the ability to solve our current global environmental, social and economic crises.

The not-so-good news: Do we have the will to do it? From my perspective, the challenge is not about technology, but rather about consciousness, values and priorities. We must move from one extreme of the dichotomy to another: from me to we.

Currently, we’re in the grey area. With two million NGOs working to save the world, the challenge is to cooperate rather than compete for resources and attention. Together, we can make rapid progress and transformational change. Alone, we will all fail, only making incremental change.

Pension funds, foundations, not-for-profits, educational institutions, credit unions and other socially and financially responsible entities control huge financial resources, but they don’t use their assets to invest in solutions. Instead, they give away a little money every year, but keep the principle invested in companies that perpetuate our problems. They don’t cooperate with each other to insist on change. They could. It’s about will and commitment.

Our system is broken. We’re headed at 90 miles per hour into a brick wall. Right now, all we do is tap gently on the breaks and celebrate as our speed slows temporarily down to 89. The brakes work. We can stop the car and change direction. The question is – will we? The alternative gives us our answer.

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