Recently revealed emails suggest that climate change experts may have exaggerated science data to overstate claims for geologic climate change.  Does this mean green building and innovation will be tossed out the window?  Will we return to the status quo - which I’ve seen in the last year to include businesses failing, foreclosures and bank bail-outs.  This can’t possibly be related to climate change can it?

When I think of climate change, I imagine rising temperatures, melting of the ice caps, lack of water in many parts of the world, but I don’t associate it with green building.  After reading multiple news reports and op-ed’s I get the feeling that most people lump climate and sustainability all together. 

Green building lowers energy costs for homes, schools and businesses, helps me run easier - reduces chemical exposure and decreases asthma in many parts of the world.  People learn, heal and work better in healthy environments where they have access to healthy food, fresh air and clean water. Is this about climate change or just creating a healthier environment for everyone?

While yes we might all be disappointed on hearing the news that we may have been mislead, duped, whatever, but what has this got to do with creating jobs in our economy, which frankly needs some stimulus shot it the arm - whether green or not.  I see a great future in innovation and manufacturing for new products that can save water, energy and encourage the old adage of reduce, reuse, recycle, based on the reality that oil and access to clean water isn’t infinite, and GM still can’t make great cars.  We can’t rely on the status quo to allow us to compete on an international playing field using our old methods.  Tell me, if not green, what do you think can bring around a new chapter in the American economy.