And another thing…

Why does everything these days start with a ‘C’?

Sustainable entrepreneur: River man

Martin Wright profiles Guy Watson, king of the vegbox.

And Another Thing…

Why trash carbon offsets?

Could do better – much better

The government is failing to meet its own green targets, according to the latest assessment from the Sustainable Development Commission.

And Another Thing

Is virtual always virtuous?

And Another Thing

Sexing up the simple stuff

The Green Futures interview: David Cameron

The Tory leader talks to Martin Wright about why green goes well with blue

Ten of the best… green cars

Electric, hybrid, biodiesel, Smart... see how the top contenders measure up.

A green bridge...

Fire in the grass roots

Yorkshire, just west of Zhejiang...

It’s 2025. Who’s making money – and how?

Sky-high energy and carbon prices are sure to change the way we travel, work and trade, says Martin Wright, in the final instalment of our scan of the future.

It’s 2025. Who’s making money – and how?

Sky-high energy and carbon prices are sure to change the way we travel, work and trade, says Martin Wright, in the first instalment of his two-part scan of the future.

Warming up, nicely

In cool Britannia, well over half of our energy use goes on keeping us warm... But we don’t have to burn up fossil fuels to stay chuffed.

And another thing...

Martin Wright longs to get it all at one great Eco-IKEA

And Another Thing

Martin Wright on cool Tories and hot environmentalism

And another thing…

Not just nukes v windmills

Staying power

Martin Wright profiles Alistair Sawday, who brought Special Places to the discerning traveller

And another thing...

The Martin Wright column

Calling all energy pioneers

Leading awards scheme seeks a fresh round of entries

Renewing the power of speech

Bilingual radio runs on renewables

2030 vision

Martin Wright unveils a future where creating wealth and curbing carbon go hand in hand.

And another thing...

Martin Wright on the lessons from Katrina

Faith, hope & charities

Unsung heroes abound in many fields, and sustainable energy is no exception.

Warmth without warming

Staying warm without spurring global warming is one of the great energy challenges facing Britain.

Wood, winds and water

Oil and gas may be reaching their peak, but Britain’s winds, woodlands and water resources hold reserves of power which are still scarcely tapped.

Celebrity cookstoves

Designing a better cookstove may sound distinctly unexciting, but...

Sunrise sectors

The small business of saving the world can be a profitable one, too.

Into the light

For someone who’s used to the grimy flicker of a kerosene lantern, the clean, constant white brightness of a solar lamp is a revelation.

The energy of Africa

The best means of lifting Africans out of poverty are also those which help curb climate change.

And another thing...

The Martin Wright column

Fora for a future

Martin Wright welcomes a fresh idea for bringing the public on board on sustainable development .

And another thing…

The Martin Wright column

Five years on

What happens to projects that feature in Green Futures.

And another thing...

The Martin Wright Column

Diminuendo

Martin Wright profiles Aubrey Meyer, the composer turned climate campaigner.

Five years on

Five years on

And another thing…

...the Martin Wright column

Safe Futures?

Martin Wright uncovers the intimate link between sustainability and security.

A lot of Bottle

Just why do we splash out on bottled water, asks Ben Walker. And what’s wrong with tap?

Bubble rapper

Martin Wright meets the man who conjured up the Eden Project

Designed for life

How are we making products better by design? Martin Wright, Roger East and Hannah Bullock.

Exchange of fire

Does sustainability smother innovation? Nico Macdonald duels with Rob Webb.

Five years on

Updating progress on stories first featured in Green Futures back in 1998.

The feel bad society

Oliver James tells Martin Wright how we can stop modern life driving us mad.

Profile Hero Zero?

Martin Wright talks to Ray Mallon, Robocop turned eco- Mayor...

After the dust has settled

Martin Wright on sustainabilityafter Saddam.

White papers and fighting talk

How can business save the world?

Mark Moody-Stuart tussles with Tony Juniper

Is 'security' the new trump card?

Exploring the power and the peril of playing the 'security card'

So make it happen

What do we need to do to make community renewables catch fire?

Power for the People

How do you meet the world’s energy needs without trashing the planet?

Riding a Mexican wave

Sustainable Stufflust?

What lies behind the constant wish to have more stuff

Yes Logo

Victoria Earle and Martin Wright ask whether the mighty power of brands can ever be wielded on the side of the angels.

Branding their way to clean streets (and world peace)

Steve Hilton, author of Good Business tells Green Futures why he looks to the Sky (and to Coke and to Nike).

Healthy bodies, Healthy Planet?

Emily Green and Martin Wright find some imaginative projects promoting health in a sustainable way

Hain’s Manual

Could the Foreign Office be an unlikely standard bearer for sustainable development? Peter Hain talks to Martin Wright

Wanted: a coalition against poverty

In an increasingly insecure world, argues Chris Patten, sustainable development is our best security strategy.

The just capitalist

Martin Wright talks to Adair Turner, former CBI head, now advocate of the firm hand of government

Market sparkler

Martin Wright talks to Nina Planck, the woman who brought farmers’ markets to the capital, and is now poised to take on the American political machine.

A River runs through it.

Martin Wright and Jonathon Porritt on sustainable development after September 11.

"On your bike, lad!"

Local solutions abound in the National Grid Community 21 Awards

Pilgrim in the Casino

As the Capital Futures Project starts to make waves in the City, Caspar Henderson and Martin Wright ask if we can ever hope to green the markets

Speaking English

Speaking out of the loop - an exclusive interview with English Nature's new chief executive - English Nature

When business talks the scary stuff.

How can companies convince us that they're on the sustainable track?

Break it down, open it up..

Can sustainable development ever be sexy? Not until it's brought down to earth, say Martin Wright and Sophie Hooper.

Reviving the roots

The Countryside Agency is looking to reverse the ebbing away of rural life by restoring vibrancy to villages and market towns.

Transports of delight?

Over recent years local authorities in rural areas have been experimenting with novel approaches to transport

Is your appetite wildlife-friendly?

Schemes promoting eco-friendly and wildlife friendly food production are well on their way.

A phoenix from the pyres

Disastrous as it has been

Out of their trees?

Good for wood or barking mad? Martin Wright roots through the different branches of carbon offsets

Risk roulette

Martin Wright casts caution to the winds

When heritage gets human

Sir Neil Cossons, incoming chairman of English Heritage

Risky weather and the long-term view

Royal Sun Alliance CEO Bob Mendelsohn - Royal SunAlliance

Where's the balance control?

James Wilsdon, Martin Wright and Rebecca Willis on the search for human sustainability

Any colour you like...as long as it's green?

Bill Ford, 'clean revolutionary', talks to Martin Wright

Why businesses should take the long view: Ron Mathison, Finlays

The man in charge of global tea and flower producer Finlays tells Martin Wright about getting more life from the land for longer.

Why clean energy isn't worthy

From the highlands of Kenya to the Manchester streets, sustainable energy is attracting entrepreneurs. Martin Wright profiles the winners of this year's Ashden Awards.

From snake bites to solar lights: Sam Goldman is CEO, D.light

It started with a scary night in an African hut. Now it's a multi-million dollar business bringing solar electricity to the poor of rural India. Martin Wright meets Sam Goldman, CEO, D.light.

Can the South become climate-resilient?

From solar power and mobile phones to hydroponics and GPS, low-carbon technologies are transforming the economic prospects of people in the global South. Martin Wright asks whether low-income countries are on a fast track to low-carbon prosperity.

Slow fashion changes gear

For the past twenty years, we’ve lived in a time of fast fashion – cheap, disposable and deeply unsustainable. Now that’s all set to change – even if the clothes look much the same. Trish Lorenz and Martin Wright peer down the catwalks of the future.

New green paint halves its carbon footprint

Until recently, paint has been green only in colour. Now, with help from Forum for the Future, industry leaders are rethinking this ubiquitous product with sustainability in mind.

Piezoelectrics to harness power from breath

A tiny nanoscale chip embedded in silicone sheets could harness kinetic energy from movements as simple as breathing, if planted near the lungs.

 

Brazil's corporates lead on sustainability reporting

Brazilian businesses are keen to leave their history of boom and bust behind, discover Andrew Downie and Martin Wright.

The perils of predicting the future

“Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.” Danish physicist Niels Bohr’s words are a wise warning to the reckless forecaster. Trish Lorenz and Martin Wright uncover some instructive howlers.

Hydro brings independence to remote farmers

In the deep south of Brazil, small-scale hydro plants are bringing robust, reliable supplies of power to farming communities.

Rainforest revival: has Brazil turned the tide on deforestation?

After years of seemingly unstoppable destruction, Brazil appears to be winning some ground on the Amazon frontier. Is this just a recession-induced calm before the storm, asks Martin Wright – or the start of a rainforest revival?

Four trends that are reshaping America

For over 30 years, Lester Brown has been tracking emerging trends in energy and environment – and working out what they might mean for the future. Now he tells Martin Wright why coal is dying, wind is king – and America is falling out of love with the automobile.

The Green Futures interview: Zac Goldsmith

The Green Futures Interview: Zac Goldsmith talks to Martin Wright about free markets, free choice, whether to trust politicians… and lessons from the stepsister of Anne Frank.

Can finance save forests?

If rainforests are so valuable, why can't we make them pay?
Martin Wright explores the profits and the pitfalls deep in the jungle.

Exclusive interview with Ecover's Mick Bremans

“Make sure it works first – then make it green” – Mick Bremans, CEO Ecover

Pump primers

From greenhouses in Ladakh to green homes in England, the Ashden Awards celebrate the world's leading breakthroughs in sustainable energy.

Action on peak oil essential for business survival, say UK transport chiefs

How prepared are the UK’s leading transport companies for a world of climate change and peak oil? Martin Wright talks to Brian Souter, Moir Lockhead, Will Whitehorn and Richard Brown.

Editorial

In his excellent Ten Technologies to Save the World, Chris Goodall writes tellingly about the ‘Second Glass Problem’. The second glass of wine, that is, drunk by the keynote speaker following a sustainability conference, as he or she winds down from their star turn.

"We have to start thinking out of the box" – Pachauri

World’s leading climate change expert sees entrepreneurs at the forefront of the drive to tackle global warming. Interview by Martin Wright.

Crunch time for a green new deal

Green growth and cleantech could help lift us out of recession, says… well, just everybody. So, if we’re all agreed, asks Martin Wright, what’s stopping us?

India's green horizons

Behind the smoke of terror and the clouds of economic gloom, India is emerging as an unlikely frontrunner in a cleantech future, argues Malini Mehra.

Peak practice

Act now on peak oil, say business leaders

Peak oil poses a more immediate risk to the UK economy than climate change – but action now could help address both challenges, say leading businesses.

Innovation nation

As a global competition launches offering big bucks to help tackle climate change, Martin Wright seeks out the entrepreneurs that are already combining creativity, green innovation and hard-headed business sense to cut the carbon – while making a profit.

India launches climate action plan

Proposals 'too little, too late' say critics
 
Solar power will be “centre stage” in India’s strategy to tackle global warming, according to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

And another thing…

Martin Wright gets cross with Greenpeace – and productive on a train

Ain't too proud to Begg

Interview with Commission of Integrated Transport supremo, David Begg

And another thing

“Like crying wolf when all seems quiet, it’s counter-productive to bang on endlessly about the dangers of climate change”

Faced with a mix of recession and a muddle of climate change denial, it's time to extol green joys, not taxes, says Martin Wright.

Energy for change

Award-winning projects from Tibet to Truro.

Hang the DJ

Chantal Cook saw the future of radio. Now she broadcasts it on Passion for the Planet.

Reasons to be cheerful

"We've just seen the first big win in the fight to stabilise the world's climate"

Lester Brown finds cause for optimism on climate change.

Insulation, insulation, insulation

His friends were hoping for loads of glam green gizmos, but effectiveness came first for Martin Wright’s home refurb.

The Green Futures Interview: Martin Wright meets Rowan Williams

“The environmental crisis is the major moral issue which confronts us – and I’ve got into trouble for saying so.”

These days, we pretty much expect our archbishops to be turbulent priests.

And another thing

“What happens when improving people’s quality of life runs slap bang into environmental limits? The Tata Nano does exactly that.”

Weaving a future that works

Traditional skills are often undervalued or squeezed out by globalisation. But as Martin Wright reports, innovative new partnerships can bring them back to life – and into profit, too.

Shakti power

A micro credit scheme with a difference is revolutionising lives for hundreds of thousands of rural women, reports Martin Wright.

Country life

BMWs versus bullock carts; software versus sadhus; the sleek security of the gated suburb versus the grubby confusion of the village.

“We can’t afford just to point our fingers at the West”

Vikram Singh Mehta, managing director of Shell India, tells Martin Wright why his company sees climate change as a business opportunity.

A series of small revolutions

A single solar panel may not light up India – but multiply that by hundreds of thousands, says Martin Wright, and you have one of India’s most exciting economic successes.

“We need a new Gandhi”

As chair of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Rajendra Pachauri effectively shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore. Now he talks exclusively to Martin Wright about his hopes and fears for his native India.

The sky’s the limit - in every sense

“India Shining.”

The then-ruling BJP’s slogan at the 2004 election neatly captured what, on the surface at least, is a sparkling shift in the country’s fortunes.

And another thing...

Martin Wright ranks forests over flight guilt, is dazzled by a hundred halogen spots, and relieved that Al Gore is staying clear of the White House.

Enduring energy

From solar power for India’s poor to wood-fired heating for UK schools, the Ashden Awards highlight some of the world’s most innovative energy schemes, reports Martin Wright.

And another thing...

Direct action adds edge and urgency to the climate debate – but it’s crying out for a more positive, persuasive message, says Martin Wright

Wired Earth

Everybody’s doing it. From Coldplay to the Kaiser Chiefs, green is the new rock ’n’ roll. But can pop stars really save the world? Chris Alden peers into the biofuelled tour bus.

Soft soap saves forests

Body Shop leads switch to sustainable palm oil

Palm oil has been in the dock of late, as concerns intensify about the loss of crucial forest resources to dramatically expanding palm plantations in Southeast Asia – and the climate implications of the clearance work involved.

The sun in Spain makes power for the plain

World’s largest solar plant under construction

On the plains of Andalusia, a solar plant is taking shape which will supply electricity to up to 200,000 people.

Alma greener

Universities rated, ranked on environmental performance

The most important index for prospective students used to be the cost of beer at the university bar. Now school leavers are being encouraged to consider the environmental footprint of their future alma mater.

Climate change ‘not due to the sun'

Key argument of sceptics shot down by new study

Global warming is happening despite – not because of – solar cycles.

That’s the conclusion of an extensive new study published by the Royal Society, the UK’s leading scientific academy.

Gaddafi goes green

Leader’s son heads Libyan sustainability drive

He may have written the (misleadingly titled) Green Book, but Colonel Gaddafi hasn’t exactly made oil-rich Libya a beacon of sustainability. That may be about to change.