The climate change debate is changing. Stage one was the no it isn't /yes it is debate, stage two was woe is us, the end of the world is nigh and now we begin to discuss and implement practical solutions.

For those who believe we have woken up too late, here is some reassuring maths from someone who woke up before almost anyone else.

Welcome to summit season on Planet Earth.  We have just concluded a new round of promises to half the rate of biodiversity loss by 2020, having spectacularly failed to do this, as promised, between 2000 and 2010.  Next is the Climate Change summit in Cancun that seeks to repair some of the damage caused by squabbling leaders last year in Copenhagen.

While we squawk, the world burns.  It’s time to listen – if those radio telescopes tuning in to the farthest reaches of the universe, tuned their sensitive ears to Planet Earth, here are some messages they would pick up.

Who has the social responsibility portfolio in your company:  a Young Turk, a safe affirmative action appointee, or one of the old guard awaiting retirement?  If social responsibility is seen as corporate charity, all you need is an able administrator.  If it seen as something deeper – a mutually rewarding relationship with your society – you will also need a social vision.