All these emerging areas are important, but the take-up and adaptation of technologies and practices is a key issue that has not been sufficiently emphasised. In a landmark report on skills for sustainability41, a key finding was that, “in order to be effective, implementation of climate change strategies requires a broad skill set and mechanisms to diffuse knowledge about sustainability technologies and practices across the economy. Up-front investment in R&D is necessary although not sufficient. More emphasis needs to be given at all levels of the economy, not only in research laboratories”.