In these global tipping points, will you seize opportunity?

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – In every crisis the best and brightest seize upon the event, sea change or disaster as an opportunity.

Thomas Friedman is laying out for all to see the opportunities presented by what he calls “disruptive events” and “tipping points” the world must deal with right now:

From climate change to ever more expensive energy, threats to biodiversity to what he called “petro politics,” Friedman cited a list of challenges that should chill anyone.

Whether global warming is man-made or nature-made, Friedman told the Emerging Issues Forum on Monday in Raleigh that the best way to deal with the crisis is through innovation.

I particularly liked this line from Friedman: “Did we make it hot or did God make it hot?”

The answer is not the most important point, however. Finding means to deal with a changing climate is.

And Friedman said innovation is the solution, not simply government regulation or conservation.

By adopting an approach through which Americans embrace innovation and entrepreneurship to discover new or improve existing technology and building new or revamping existing companies, Friedman said the U.S. could lead the way in reshaping the world.

“This has to be a movement of growth,” he explained.

Friedman’s address came less than 24 hours ahead of General Motors’ stunning announcement Tuesday of record losses ($38.7 billion) for an American automobile company. The company is offering buyouts to its 74,000 hourly employees.

If GM is to survive, the financial data show it must change. Perhaps the solution is more fuel-efficient cars and trucks, more hybrids – maybe hydrogen-fueled vehicles. If GM does make a comeback, it will do so through innovation.

Just last week, Cree made a $103 million commitment to new ways of lighting by purchasing startup LED Lighting Fixtures. Its goal is to “obsolete” the light bulb with light emitting diodes that last longer, produce less heat and consume less energy. Cree is an example of a firm seizing on global demands for energy efficiency.

How will your company respond to new opportunities created through the multiple tipping points Friedman outlined?