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Change Quote by Benjamin R. Barber

“Scientists will say with conviction - and they are right - that "there are no technical or economic barriers to achieving sustainability." ... Many [market players] understand the science of climate change perfectly well; they are not deniers and don't need to be. They are not ignorant, certainly…” quote by Benjamin R. Barber
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““Scientists will say with conviction - and they are right - that "there are no technical or economic barriers to achieving sustainability." ... Many [market players] understand the science of climate change perfectly well; they are not deniers and don't need to be. They are not ignorant, certainly not stupid; they are simply driven by interests at odds with sustainability or climate justice. What's good for them and what's good for the planet are just not the same.””

Benjamin R. Barber

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview on Climate Policy, 2015

The quote argues that technical and economic solutions for sustainability exist, but vested interests prevent their adoption, creating a gap between profit motives and planetary health.

In simple terms: Solutions exist, but profit motives block them.

Key Takeaway

Address conflicting interests to enable sustainability.

Themes

environment politics economics ethics climate change

Mood

concerned critical urgent

Type

political analytical call‑to‑action

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • corporate strategy
  • activism
  • public advocacy

Key Concepts

interest groups political economy sustainability barriers

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can policies align profit with planetary health?
  • What mechanisms can shift corporate interests toward sustainability?
A Different Perspective

Economic incentives may still be insufficient without systemic change.

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