Sustainability experts Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, and others to find 'Common Ground' for protecting Georgia's natural resources
Georgia Conservancy conference will explore air, water, land, quality growth, and sustainable business issues

ATLANTA (Sep. 1) – Rampant growth is changing Georgia’s landscape and decreasing Georgians’ quality of life. However, there are vast areas of the state still worth protecting. Georgia’s Common Ground is a Georgia Conservancy conference that will begin to define a vision for protecting Georgia’s natural resources by exploring cutting-edge solutions to environmental issues around the nation. The September 9 event at the Emory Conference Center will feature over 60 panelists with sessions focusing on air, water, land, quality growth, and sustainable business. Tracks are designed to educate Georgians about the issues, cultivate new partnerships between nontraditional allies, and activate attendees to become more involved.

   Following Governor Sonny Perdue’s welcome, Dr. Amory Lovins will present the morning keynote address on “Winning the Oil Endgame”. Dr. Lovins, cofounder and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Institute, has authored 29 books including Natural Capitalism, and is the chairman of Hypercar, Inc. The Wall Street Journal named Dr. Lovins one of thirty-nine people worldwide ‘most likely to change the course of business in the ‘90s’.

   Mr. Ray Anderson, chairman and CEO of Interface Inc., will offer closing remarks, followed by a closing keynote address by environmentalist, entrepreneur, journalist, and best-selling author Mr. Paul Hawken. Mr. Hawken started several ecological businesses, writes and teaches about the impact of commerce upon the environment, and consults with governments and corporations on economic development, industrial ecology, and environmental policy. He has authored or co-authored six books including The Next Economy, Growing a Business, The Ecology of Commerce, and Natural Capitalism. He will address his current research on the environmental movement from a global perspective.

   Georgia’s Common Ground will benefit people from the fields of government, business, conservation, and community action. Anyone with an interest in learning more about issues that affect Georgia’s natural resources and how new and innovative partnerships can protect these resources should attend. The cost is $105, which includes a continental breakfast, networking lunch, and conference materials. The complete agenda as well as registration information is available at www.georgiaconservancy.org/gcg  or by calling (404) 876-2900 x107.

   Founded in 1967, Georgia Conservancy is a statewide environmental organization that works to make Georgia a better place to live through environmental education, community outreach, and advocacy. The organization’s work addresses air quality, water quality, land preservation, and quality growth. Georgia Conservancy’s education programs include workshops for classroom teachers and non-formal educators, environmental curricula, and children’s programs. More information about Georgia Conservancy is available at www.georgiaconservancy.org .