For me, the main message of the roundtable was that all industries are more or less seriously searching ways to reduce global warming effects created by their respective or related business. However, it also became clear that most industries did not act proactively - most of them react only after years of pressure from the media, the people, the scientists and finally the politicians.

Consequence is that the world climate is continuing to change to the bad and that we will be very lucky if the correcting measures can hopefully at least stabilize an already dangerous status quo.

As one of the panelist said: we have the technical and organizational means to reduce emissions dramatically. But to implement them costs a lot, it requires unpopular managerial AND political decisions – which could endanger careers - and it needs the special willingness of each individual to contribute - even if unpleasant for the comfort of the daily life.

Looking into the real world, I see a lot of verbal enthusiasm but only little action. To change this, I am afraid, we need either the experience of a catastrophe or the implementation of remedies by
punishment and rewards:

For example, realistic energy pricing, strict emission related approval/ disapproval of operations, tax rewards/ punishments for the "goodies" and "badies", deep rooted environmental education of all ages, a strictly implemented control system of public environmental behavior and strengthening of the advising role of scientists, experts, NGOs and the voices of direct suffers from environmental damage.

This naturally will negatively affect growth, if growth is based only on consumption - which to me is anyway a questionable approach to economic growth.

But it will not affect healthy growth if sustainability is in focus and a long-term enjoyment of nature and life.

By Dr. JM Luther

(General Representative, Allianz General Representative Office China)