How to Save Mother Earth Without Breaking the Bank

By acting quickly, the US could cap greenhouse gas emissions with little sacrifice. Businesses and consumers must shift to using energy-efficient and pollution-reducing measures, suggests Marc Gunther for Fortune magazine, while alternative energy sources and innovation would also contribute to reductions. The strategy will work only if the society puts in a collective effort, according to the consulting firm McKinsey & Co. The report does not endorse specific legislative changes, but stresses the need for immediate, aggressive and coordinated action from government and firms. Reductions could actually end up saving money by conserving energy. The report urged consumers and businesses to focus on energy savings when purchasing any goods. Energy savings often more than make up for any extra cost that accompanies high quality, fuel-efficient items. Dawdling on climate change, focusing on short-term bargains, only increases costs over the long term. – YaleGlobal