Davos and Goliath

This year, World Economic Forum can't avoid climate change

Every year, some 2,000 business and political leaders descend on snowy Davos, Switzerland, for an unrivaled meeting of minds and money. As the five-day World Economic Forum kicks off today, attendees will tackle an issue of great concern: how to get Bono's autograph. Also, some of them will address climate change. In a survey, twice as many participants as last year say environmental protection should be a priority for world leaders, and 17 climate-related sessions are planned. "By putting climate change at the top of the [agenda, the WEF] has focused on the key challenge of our time," says Achim Steiner, executive director of the U.N. Environment Program. "The moment to act is now." With honchos from 70 of the world's 100 biggest companies and leaders like Tony Blair and Angela Merkel roaming the hallways, wethinks big things are bound to happen. Right? If you're feeling left out, you can hang with WEF founder Klaus Schwab in the virtual world of Second Life. Just don't forget your skis.