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 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.””
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.
Address conflicting interests to enable sustainability.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- corporate strategy
- activism
- public advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policies align profit with planetary health?
- What mechanisms can shift corporate interests toward sustainability?
Economic incentives may still be insufficient without systemic change.