Brussels, 11/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - Worldwide mobilisation to combat climate change caused by inconsiderate use of natural resources is the theme of the Energy Globe Award 2007, hosted for the very first time at the European Parliament in Brussels on 11 April (EUROPE 9402). Although the EP is to host this renowned event which, this year, rewards innovative projects from around the world which are notable for their economic use of resources and alternative energy sources, the Parliament makes heightening public awareness to such issues a priority. The Parliament should take a leading role when it comes to energy and climate, EP President Hans-Gert Pöttering told the press. He recalled that his institution had proposed “very ambitious objectives for the EU” during the European Council on 8-9 March (-30% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, and 25% use of renewable energies by the same date), going beyond the decisions reached by the EU heads of state and government.
Maneka Gandhi, former Environmental Minister and Energy Globe Jury Chair, spoke of the problems experienced by her country, like the rest of Asia. She said: “We are faced by a very serious phenomenon. We are victim to the abusive use of energy and will be the first victims of climate change. It is very important for us to manage our energy, right now”. The Energy Globe Award 2007, which has the merit of highlighting projects that constitute an “energy global wonder” should, she said, help governments to review their position and encourage NGOs to cooperate with governments. When asked how likely it was that India would follow in the EU's heels and reduce CO2 emissions, Ms Gandhi expressed scepticism given the low energy consumption per capita in her country (only 520 kJ oil equivalent when the world average is 1,731 kJ and the European average is 4,842 kJ. With “57% of rural households which don't have bulbs, 12% of urban households (84 million people) which don't have any electricity at all”, increased consumption in the future is likely. But, she added, “we must ensure that the increases in our energy consumption do not have any impact on CO² emission levels”. Responding to a journalist who asked about international negotiations on the period post-2010 and the US refusal to change position if India and China do not commit themselves, Ms Gandhi said, “I am sure that the United States are using us as an excuse. All the countries of Asia, Africa and Europe have CO² emission levels lower than that of the United States. The argument is ridiculous! It is just as if India said we will do nothing as long as the Maldives or Bangladesh do nothing. We all have to act to save the planet. India must reduce its methane emissions and plant more trees because today only 8% of our trees are still standing, avoid 40% energy loss during supply, and introduce taxes on plastic and wood”.
“The last IPCC (Ed: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.) has affected public opinion. It is time to act. Together we can make things happen,” said Angelika Niebler, who chairs the Parliamentary industry, research and energy committee, delighted that “this acclaimed environmental price has found, in the Parliament, a platform to influence public decision makers”. The integrated Energy and Climate package presented by the European Commission would inform the work of the Parliamentary committee, she said. Wolfgang Neumann, Energy Globe Director General, said that the price had been created in 1999 to encourage “all those working to show that energy efficiency can be attractive, sexy even”. The names of the international prize winners were to be announced during a televised gala evening in the Parliament debate chamber on the evening of 11 April. (an)