There are very few forms of economic growth that do not directly impact on the natural environment and/or increase our carbon emissions. If we wish to grow our economy in sectors like agriculture, construction, mining, retail, sport tourism, manufacturing etc. then inevitably there will be an environmental price to pay, right down the line from extraction of raw materials through manufacturing, transport, consumption and disposal of each product.

If we are to actually do anything about reducing our emissions or repairing some of the environmental damage wrought by us in our quest for growth then we must consider working towards a stable economy, and population.

And there is nothing wrong with that stability, in fact it is a highly desirable state. Without relinquishing the quest for growth then our appalling list of over 1800 species of plants and animals on the threatened species list - listed as conservation dependent through to extinct - will only get longer and our carbon emissions will only increase leading to consequences about which we can only speculate, but aren't good.

On behalf of the Leukaemia Foundation, I would like to say a big thank you to readers for their incredible support of World’s Greatest Shave this year. The people who shaved or coloured and their generous sponsors have now raised an incredible $4,920,000 in NSW alone, helping to fund projects that will make a genuine difference to local families facing blood cancer.

The money will now be used to provide safe and comfortable accommodation in the city for families living in regional NSW so they can more easily access life-saving treatment. It also means we can offer free transport, counselling, information and practical support to the 60,000 Australians living with a blood cancer.

Meanwhile, researchers funded by our supporters are working tirelessly to discover safer and more effective treatments. There is still time for people to sign up or make a donation atwww.worldsgreatestshave.com.au.