SMART CITY FANATIC

There is a problem: environmental and economic concerns continue to clash. If unabated, a crisis looms. And insurance is the first battle ground, it seems? Via litigious possibilities.  Corporate insurance rates are rising due to legal actions related to climate change. In response to the alleged inability of Shell's management and non-executive directors to present a strategy to reduce emissions swiftly, ClientEarth is considering legal action against them.  Environmental difficulties are "a new and substantial issue," according to David Powell, head of technical underwriting at the Lloyd's Market Association, and are "very much on the agenda of D&O underwriters. "Insurers are enquiring more about their clients' climate policies and talking about "enhancements" to those policies.  The Bank of England issued a warning in May that specialised D&O insurance were particularly vulnerable to lawsuits relating to climate change.  According t...

 Answer: It's however YOU choose to do so! In previous episodes, we established that there is a way to at once embrace the universal premises of sustainability and apply those to one's own facts/circumstances/conclusions. And so it is, here, with the measurement stage.  There are, of course, well known and accepted criteria to accept and respect.  SOCIAL! ENVIRONMENTAL! ECONOMIC! The question is not what the terms of assessment 'are' but HOW those can be at once empirical / objective AND somehow related to an ethical value judgement and brand identity in a changing world.  I will not try and offer any calculable formulae via a superficial blog. But what I CAN say is that a balance of personal and societal utilities is not only possible but entirely logical and indeed, necessary, in the definition and consolidation of personal/professional progress.  Think about the word, 'sustainable'. Even in colloquial and casual terms, it tends to refer to relationships and s...

  ANSWER: It is whatever YOU make it! In the context of a city? It is possible to think of it, thus: 1: In PLANNING: Avoid urban sprawl. At ALL COSTS. 2: In ENERGY:   Be efficient with what we do have (fossil fuels; rising costs; even this government are trying, today, to handle that). Equally, be proactive with what we are yet to harness to the max.  That means alternative fuel sources from nuclear to wind/solar/et al. And think about whether you NEED to make that car / rail/bus journey. If you can work from home/ conduct a meeting, wirelessly? DO IT!  3: In BUSINESS :  Are your employees REALLY giving YOU value for money? And if not, why not? Think about how you can start a conversation with them. Be firm yet flexible.  Manage goals and targets, with in built review and negotiation. Make their welfare and development part of, rather than divorced from, the process of constructive criticism.  That way, pastoral care and professional growth coincide w...