Paul Sheldon in Finland

Former US Representative Thomas Barrett once said, “Chaos in the world brings uneasiness but it also allows the opportunity for creativity and growth.” And it was this opportunity for creativity and growth, which Paul Sheldon, Senior Consultant for Natural Capitalism Solutions based in Longmont, Colorado, highlighted on September 21st to US Embassy contacts during an evening reception hosted by Ambassador Bruce Oreck and Mrs. Cody Douglas Oreck.

The ‘chaos’ in this context was global warming. Global climate change is rapidly altering the environment in which we live, and the impact on businesses will be significant. Deteriorating ecosystems will lead to more volatile energy prices and increased economic instability – neither of which bode well for the commercial sector.

Yet businesses do not have to be passive players when it comes to global warming. As Mr. Sheldon pointed out, businesses not only have an important role in protecting the environment, but ‘going green’ is actually very profitable.   He pointed to the example of DuPont – an American Fortune 500 company. In 1990 DuPont decided to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and raise revenue by 6% with no corresponding increase in energy use. Today their GHGs from global operations are down by 80%, their global energy use is 9% below 1990 levels and they recorded a savings of $3 billion between 2000 and 2005 alone – all thanks to new green measures.

Mr. Sheldon also discussed Wal-Mart, describing how in undertaking a comprehensive review of its carbon footprint its executives noted several wasteful energy practices – particularly in the open-bin refrigerated meat and dairy aisles. Wal-Mart redesigned the aisles putting all refrigerated food behind sealed doors and installing motion-sensory lights. This small effort significantly improved Wal-Mart’s energy efficiency and reduced its carbon footprint. It also helped sales! Children found the motion-sensory lights fascinating, which attracted parents (as potential buyers) to new items.

As Mr. Sheldon described it, the developed world is entering the “6th wave” of industrial innovation, which encompasses sustainability, radical resource productivity and renewable energy. Just like the 1st wave (iron, mechanization) or the 5th wave (digital networks, software information technology), companies that react first will reap the best rewards of reduced expenses and increased revenue.

Finland already has a number of local companies riding that wave and tapping into green growth. During his two-day trip, Mr. Sheldon met with representatives of the Federation of Finnish Financial Services, Helsingin Energia, and BaseN to exchange best practices.

Mr. Sheldon’s presentation provided the kick-off for US Embassy Helsinki’s Energy and Environment Series – a four-part speaker series running October to December 2009. The series features key American specialists highlighting America’s technical and scientific creativity in dealing with global warming. The series details can be found on the Embassy website . All are encouraged to attend and take part in this most important discussion.

From left: Chancellor of the University of Helsinki Ilkka Niiniluoto, President Tarja Halonen, Chargé d’Affaires Michael A. Butler and Ambassador Derek Shearer

We were especially honored to have President Tarja Halonen speak at the opening session of the seminar.  We were proud to have U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Michael Butler read to the symposium audience a special message of congratulations by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.  Former American Ambassador Derek Shearer (1994-1997) came to share his personal narrative of his years in Helsinki and of the contacts he made with Finns over a decade ago and since that time, which remain active and warm.

Many experts shared their research on various aspects of the bilateral relations with enthusiastic audiences.  Presenters discussed the history, the present day and the future of the Finnish-American relationship.  Virtually all speakers underlined the fact that the excellent official relations rest on the bedrock of warm, close people-to-people relations between Finns and Americans.

Paratiisin pojat

One presentation, however, was in a very special class of its own.  Two top Finnish musicians – “Paratiisin pojat “  J. Karjalainen and Veli-Matti Järvenpää  – played songs of Finnish immigrants who  migrated to the U.S. in the early 20th century.  The two artists were talented and charismatic and gracefully did an encore following a standing ovation.

Their performance underlined – once again – the importance of culture – something that makes all our lives more fun and more interesting.  Culture helps build bridges and it helps us understand “the others.”  A special thanks to Paratiisin pojat.

Another cultural treat were two performances provided by students from the Helsinki Pop and Jazz Conservatory – at the beginning and to conclude the two-day seminar.   At the final concert, they were joined by Saxophonist Greg Badalato, who is also Vice President of the Berklee College of Music.  In jazz vernacular – they were “hot.”

I am pleased to note that as we continue to celebrate the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries, my section at the U.S. Embassy (the office of press and cultural affairs) will be hosting in Finland representatives of the multifaceted cultural scene of the United States. This June, the great grandson of Sitting Bull will tour in Finland to tell about his native culture.  Mr. Ernie LaPointe is a Sun Dancer who lives in the traditional lifestyle of the Lakota people.  I hope you will have an opportunity to hear him speak.  Later in the year, we will welcome a hip hop group from the Berklee College of Music – to share their special cultural expression with Finnish audiences.