It is becoming more evident that the environment is not that the only thing we have to worry about now that the summit meeting in Copenhagen on climate change is near. The global crisis on the environment is the center of practically every issue facing us today. It also includes the necessity for creating a global economic model inclined to the benefit of the public.

This problem has direct links to matters regarding security and that which revolve around conflicts ethnically and internationally. These matters ranging from mass migrations and people displacement which are continuously contributing to the destabilization of economics and politics; to the increasing poverty and social inequality; to the crisis brought about the shortages of water, energy and food.

To come up with excuses and pretexts to justify why there hasn’t been any action, and to say that there are more important matters to focus on should not be accepted. If success is not achieved in this area alone, we would have failed everything else.

The planet’s salvation is a duty which should be shared by governments, civil society and the business and scientific communities. Everyone has a part to play in this matter. Much of the responsibility though falls on the shoulder of the governments and their institutions.

Governments can implement stricter standards and norms that would be of great use in combating climate change. The state is the only body able to mobilize resources and incentives for developing and implementing revolutionary technologies. It is the only one which can aid those who are the most susceptible to climate change.

Government representatives will meet in Copenhagen to push forward and launch a new level in international cooperation for fighting climate change. Whether it is a strong or weak start is one which is dependent on them.

Scientific research concerning climate change is very alarming. We are in a crisis. Nevertheless the bond between science and policy is weakening, so too the bond that holds the negations and this matter’s urgency.

The global increase in temperature should not go beyond 1 -2 degrees Celsius as indicated by Science. This view was endorsed by the World leaders at the G-8 meeting held in Italy last July. Take note though that those limits alone equate to massive destruction such as the loss of the world’s coral reefs.

However, the compromises in policy that the negotiators involved in the Copenhagen meeting has agreed to guarantee a 4 degree Celsius increase – well in the disastrous risk range.

What is the reason for this? Several reasons are to blame, and it includes the residual effect of the current economic model which is grounded on hyper profits and disproportionate consumption; the political and business leaders’ lack of foresight; and the thought that the reduction of carbon emission will cut short the economic growth. Change resistant parties exploit that thought.

Effort in making the world more sustainable for present and future generations do not weaken the economy as what the global financial crisis has proven. The problem is actually something beyond that: mindless pursuits of profit at any cost, lack of government action and the misdirected faith in the “invisible hand of the market.”

What we need is a new growth and incentive vehicles for economic development. Moving towards an economy that produces less waste and low carbon emission will produce a qualitatively greener industries, jobs and technologies.

An economy based on a low-carbon output is only a piece of a new economic model, something that the world desperately needs.

It is not realistic to expect overnight economic changes to prevail for half a century. To be effective, this new models needs a shift in values.

The global economy must be retrained to focus on the public good. It should give light to issues such as sustainable environment, education, healthcare, equal opportunities, culture and social cohesion – which includes narrowing the gap between the wealthy and poor.

This is something that the society needs, not just from a morality standpoint. The economic effectiveness of focusing the attention on the public good is massive although the economists have yet to learn how it is measured. We should come to an intellectual breakthrough if we are to go forward with building a new economic model.