As the economic news grows worse by the day, with many commentators now declaring that recession is with us, others (like David King, in the Observer) have noted that governments will come under increasing pressure to choose growth over green.

But from the planet's point of view, could a world recession, or even full-blown depression, be just what is needed to halt economic growth's remorseless use of non-renewable resources? Does an economic downturn bring a silver lining by reducing carbon emissions and delaying climate change? Or will it mean policymakers abandoning environmental measures as an unaffordable luxury?

Thanks to pmagn for today's Open Thread suggestion, and all the others. Please keep them coming: as promised, we will, whenever possible, be choosing one of your ideas everyday from now on.