Solar conference sheds light on economy

The transformation to a green economy is under way and promises to be a fundamental shift with profound consequences. It will eclipse the industrial revolution in scale and importance. It is the means by which we can revitalize society and heal our world.

The green economy acknowledges the true cost of doing business. It values the role of nature and does not "externalize" the destruction of our environment. Factoring in the true cost of doing business, whether it is creating energy, building homes, driving cars or flying across the country, causes us to do things differently. It is really about having an honest marketplace. A green economy is based on economic truth.

The changes we need are massive and they must happen quickly. This is a challenge, but it also represents an incredible opportunity, brilliantly presented at Solar 2008 by Van Jones, founder and president of Green For All, based in Oakland, Calif.

Jones is clear about his vision for the future of the green economy and its potential to transform society.

"The next big play in the economy is going to be greening the economy -- turning away from the suicide economy to a sustainable economy," Jones said. "Let's make sure those communities that were locked out in the last century's pollution-based economy are going to be locked in to this new, clean and green economy.