Author Archives: Lisa Goddard
Money: Still the Biggest Barrier to Entry
This week provides a whirlwind of interesting material. First, I read a fascinating article about China’s position in the sprint toward green, clean energy and technology. At a Shanghai clean-tech conference the author shared a critical observation: the Chinese business … Continue reading
Filed under Cooperation not Competition
Marketing the Strength of Efficiency
George Lakoff, a professor of cognitive linguistics at UC Berkeley, has thoroughly investigated how our conceptual system plays a central role in the way we see the world. Take the concept of health; humans strive for good health and good … Continue reading
Filed under Efficiency
Shaking Off the Low Hanging Fruit
Last week I had an interesting conversation with a college student about renewable energy. She likened our energy choices to purchases we make while waiting in the check-out line at a supermarket. It’s an awkward connection given that an impulse … Continue reading
Filed under Efficiency
Climate and Cognitive Science at Odds: Don’t Think of Fossil Fuels
The International Day of Climate Action met its mission, in part, by drawing out at least 350 environmental advocates to San Francisco’s Justin Herman Plaza on Saturday. Hosted by 350.org, the event’s statement: “inspire the world to rise to the … Continue reading
Filed under Cooperation not Competition
The comedy of our tragedy
Picture a greeting card that shows a sketch of a person standing on the edge of a cliff that sharply drops off into the abyss; when you open the card the message reads: “An optimist enters the world.” This one … Continue reading
Filed under Cooperation not Competition
Taking Ownership of Clean Coal
Browsing the November issue of my favorite mind candy, Vanity Fair, I came across a short article about Carrie Fisher. What struck me in her self deprecating expose’ was an insightful comment that spoke to our energy milieu, “If you … Continue reading
Filed under Cooperation not Competition
West Coast Green Stumbles On Low Hurdles
San Francisco hosted the West Coast Green building conference last week at the historic Fort Mason Center. The conference theme, “you are brilliant,” fell flat when it came to integrating efficient transportation and bicycle parking into an event that waves … Continue reading
Filed under Cooperation not Competition
EPA Stops Making Sense
Last week the EPA announced a proposal to tighten permitting fees for the largest greenhouse gas emitters. Smaller industries that emit less than 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year will not have to meet the EPA’s self-described “undue burden” … Continue reading
Filed under Cooperation not Competition
Trade, Monuments and Pioneers
As the leaders of global trade met in a town that symbolizes “Made in America,” talks of tariffs and protectionism stirred up the conversation among participants and protesters organized around banners warning of climate destruction. Meanwhile, cooperation and compromise appear … Continue reading
Filed under Some LEED-ers, Some LEED-less
Sustainability = Innovation
In the September issue of Harvard Business Review, they featured an article entitled “Why Sustainability is Now the Key Driver of Innovation.” The authors, distinguished professionals all of them, provided anecdotal solutions for businesses to become more environmentally conscious. The … Continue reading
Filed under Some LEED-ers, Some LEED-less
Lisa Goddard
