http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/articles/i/5437/?cid=3

 

UK Energy Secretary Ed Davey launched the European Union's 'A world you like. With a climate you like' campaign yesterday in London.

 

The campaign, run by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Climate Action, aims to engender dialogue on climate change and promote a low-carbon society.

The EU already has numerous climate change initiatives and targets in place but needs "real leadership, innovative ideas and participation at all levels" to achieve them.

The new strategy will aim to highlight successful cost-effective, low-carbon schemes from across the region, which will be shared on a pan-European website and entered into a contest to find the most original.
Individuals, community groups and businesses will be able to submit low-carbon solutions and discuss their approach and those of others. 

"The EU is a powerful voice when it comes to making the case for action to tackle climate change. By working closely together, the EU and UK form a formidable partnership, which can bring about real change," commented Davey.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is an official partner of the campaign, which is being championed by Climate Change Commissioner Connie Hedegaard.

In particular, says Davey, the campaign will focus on engaging with the business community, from SMEs to large firms, many of which came out yesterday calling for the UK to adopt a binding 2030 carbon target.

"We have a choice: we can act on our knowledge about climate change. Or we can sit idly by and watch as things get worse," says Hedegaard is a statement. "Both options come with a price tag. So why not create a world we like, with a climate we like - while we still have time? With this campaign we want to focus the debate on the solutions and find out what is holding us back from applying them."