Have any lessons been learned as a result of the past two decades of laissez faire in fiscal/monetary policy, energy/environment policy (or lack thereof)?

'Full text:' The complexity that surrounds many aspects of technological change and of political and economic policy exists side by side with fundamental (in inconvenient) givens. The overwhelming desire to continue "business as usual" policies with respect to resource use; non-accountability in rates of resource depletion; emissions buildup and projected climate impact has resulted in the loss of a quarter century in moderating the pace of these eventually unsustainable practices. This paper's focus is on the necessity of adopting the precautionary principle in formulating practical public policy to reduce the threat of climate change; to shift the rate of fossil fuel depletion from fast track to slow and measured pace and to implement economic stimuli through renewable energy projects, etc. (author)