Der Colleagues,

This commentary which just slipped in over the transom is something that I share with you not to demean the intelligence or good intentions of Amory Lovins as a person or thinker, but because the rather vigorous author -- to my mind -- puts his finger right on a very important weak point in the present sustainability debate. Other than that let me give the stage to the author for his trenchant commentary.

Eric Britton

From: Bram Büscher [mailto:BE.Buscher@...]

Sent: 25 February 2008 03:23

To: EANTH-L@...

Subject: [Spam] Critique on Amory Lovins / RMI

Dear All,

I was at the Berlin conference of the Human Dimensions of Global Change yesterday and attended a (video conference) presentation by dr. Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain institute. I have seen few people so bluntly reduce all environmental problems (and the politics around it) to technological fetishes (apparently accessible to all?).

He also advocated another book of his and colleagues entitled 'Natural Capitalism' that again combines all the good and the ugly into a 'profitable' 'win-win' mix for all of humankind and nature... On the website of the book (natcap.org) it says that they want to publish cheers and jeers, but that 'so far, the book has received almost pure praise and that frankly, this is a bit embarrassing'.

Now, personally, I cannot imagine this, and wonder whether anybody on the list has some suggestions for critical literature/articles. Basically, I'm looking for some more practical armour in the face of people who so optimistically go about selling such grand illusions.

Thanks,

Bram