Our top 10 stories from 2012 reflect a year in a sustainability scene that is in constant flux; from the search for greater meaning and a purpose stretching beyond capitalism and mindless growth, to the realities of climate change and its disproportionate effect on the world's most vulnerable. A mix of hope and uncertainty, the articles that have been most read on GSB this year set us up for an interesting 2013, with a strong call for action from not just business but governments, NGOs and society.
1. Beyond environment: falling back in love with Mother Earth
Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh explained why mindfulness and a spiritual revolution rather than economics is needed to protect nature and limit climate change
2. Top 50 breakthrough capitalism books
John Elkington revealed a crowd-sourced list of 50 books that capture the spirit of breakthrough capitalism
3. Climate change may force evacuation of vulnerable island states within a decade
Jo Confino reported on warnings that vulnerable island nations may need to be evacuated within a decade after evidence showed that polar ice is shrinking at greater speeds than predicted
4. The serious business of creating a happier world
The first ever UN conference on happiness aimed to redefine our notion of growth. Mark Williamson asked whether happiness can gain a place at the top of the world agenda
5. Twitter list: Top sustainable business tweeters
The top thought leaders, sustainability executives and sources of sustainable news and comment on Twitter according to @GuardianSustBiz
6. Alternative finance: what are the options for the everyday consumer?
From changing bank account to peer-to-peer investments, Zoe Williams explored how customers can do far more than leave their money in the status quo
7. Big businesses risk losing out to social enterprises unless they adapt
A summit hosted by Sir Richard Branson and Jamie Oliver called for a radical rethink of traditional business models
8. Is sustainability now the key to corporate success?
Companies that adopted environmental, social and governance policies in the 1990s have outperformed those that didn't, wrote Robert Eccles, Ioannis Ioannou, and George Serafeim
9. Rio+20: the Earth Summit diaries, Thursday 21 June
From Rio de Janeiro, Jo Confino provided behind the scenes insight of all that was going on from a business perspective at the Earth Summit in June
10. Textile recycling innovation challenges clothing industry
Leon Kaye reported on the tonnes of old clothes that end up in landfill every year and called on manufacturers and fashion houses to think harder about recycling
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Let us know your favourite GSB content from 2012 - was there a piece that you feel has a strong message or gave you a fresh perspective? Did you find one article particularly useful professionally? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us @GuardianSustBiz.
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