How do we achieve sustainable capitalism?

In an article published by CSRwire today, the state of our economy was discussed as well as methods to remedy it. In a study called The Phoenix Economy, it concluded that this is not a simple recession or double-dip varient, but a fundamental restructuring that may take decades to work through. The phoenix, who bursts into flames and rises from the ashes a new bird, is a good metaphor for the type of sustainable economy experts are proposing.

This type of economy is explained in the Manifesto for Sustainable Capitalism, written by former Vice President Al Gore and former Goldman Sachs investment banker David Blood. Gore and Blood argue that, “We are once again facing one of those rare turning points in history when dangerous challenges and limitless opportunities cry out for clear, long-term thinking”.

The authors recommend five key actions for sustainable capitalism. Some people argue that it’s strange an organization like Generation Investment Management is calling for the next item on the sustainability agenda, however because the focus is shifting to a global overhaul of capitalism this seems like the logical path for the next 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years.

What are your thoughts? Does The Phoenix Economy and Manifesto for Sustainable Capitalism make sense, and/or is it the best solution for the state of our economy? Can we afford to work on our economy for the next 50 years? Discuss!

Margie Flynn meets Al Gore!

Principal & Co-owner Margie Flynn met Al Gore at the opening reception of the US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment 2011 conference in Washington, D.C. on June 9, 2011. Gore is the chairman of Generation Investment Management, and urged conference attendees to radically shift markets toward a more sustainable form of capitalism.

Photo courtesy of US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investing

 

Photo courtesy of US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investing

Al Gore to speak at Social Investment Forum Conference next week

Next week, Barb Brown and Margie Flynn are attending the Social Investment Forum 2011 Conference: “Responsible Investing: Impact & Innovation” at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Al Gore, Chairman and Co-founder of Generation Investment Management, is the keynote speaker at the Conference Kickoff dinner on June 9. GIM is a partnership focused on a new approach to sustainable investing. Mr. Gore has many accolades and credits to his name, and no doubt will be interesting to listen to.

BrownFlynn is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s SIF Conference, and feels it will be a worthwhile and informative event. UBS is the lead sponsor, with other sponsors such as Bloomberg, PAX, MSCI, Calvert, Boston Common Asset Management, TIAA-CREF, Towers Watson, Walden Asset Management, Campbell’sNasdaq OMX and more.  Some speakers include:

  • Elizabeth Warren, Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
  • Luis Aguilar, Commissioner, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
  • Janet Cowell, State Treasurer, North Carolina
  • Michael Jantzi, CEO, Sustainalytics
  • Roger Urwin, Global Head of Investment Content, Towers Watson
  • Dave Stangis, Vice President of CSR and Sustainability, Campbell Soup Company

For more information about the conference and to register (there’s still time!) please click here. Hope to see you there!