What We Can Look Forward To In 2008
While the
presidential campaign and the Summer Olympics in Beijing will be the
dominate stories for next year, here are five other important issues
you�ll likely be hearing more about in 2008.
1. Energy
dependence.
This may well
be a hot issue for the 2008 presidential election, as it�s a most
critical issue facing our nation. Although we've had decades to fix
the problem, we are becoming more dependent on foreign nations for
our energy needs. The focus may be on mobilizing our resources to
get energy consumption under control, plus expanding renewable
energy resources.
2. The dollar's
decline
As the U.S. is
losing its position of �leader of the economic pack� on the world
stage, we will lose the economic clout to dictate outcomes. The
dollar�s decline is the result of a long list of economic ills
including the large federal budget deficits, huge international
trade deficit, weak savings practices by Americans, and the cost of
the Iraq War.
3. The green
revolution.
This will
continue to expand because, whether you are a manufacturer or a
consumer, it is now beginning to make economic sense to think about
eco-friendly products and sustaining the environment. In the past,
consumers felt it was important to have recyclable products, but
weren�t willing to pay a premium for them.
That is
changing with growing pressure from society to both have more
eco-friendly products and to live in a sustainable environment. With
the price of eco-friendly products coming down, it also presents a
genuine business opportunity that will improve.