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14th Annual Conference in London, 20th October 2009 |
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Facing up to realities The world is adopting a much more co-operative stance through the G20 process in bridging the gaps between developed and emerging economies. The realities of the climatic challenges are now apparent internationally. |
Mark Lewis, Andrew Ladds, Isabel Dedring and David Marsh |
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Bianca Jagger, Founder and Chair, Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation |
Call for swift action “Today we stand at a crossroads in history. The warnings from our most respected scientists are loud and clear, yet government leaders continue to ignore the scale of the threat. We have less than a decade left to address the issue of climate change before we reach the 'tipping point', or the point of no return. I was encouraged by Prime Minister Brown.” Download speech |
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Clear signals needed “Central government should focus on providing clear signals about the opportunities arising from the transition to a low-carbon economy, setting the trajectory but also providing details around the targets. Targets by themselves are not sufficient. Government must also commit to regulation which is incentive-based rather than punitive.” Download speech |
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Knowledge exchange vital “We cannot rely upon policy makers or their researchers to be able to fully access all of the relevant sources of cutting-edge research. Societal and professional bodies must go to them and provide information. There is an increasing involvement of the learned societies with biological solutions for the many challenges brought about through an ever-increasing demand for energy.” Download speech |
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Economics strong factor "It’s good to have programmes for retrofitting homes, for carbon pricing, and for converting waste into energy. But in combating climate change, the biggest issues facing cities are not technology but economics as well as psychology and human behaviour. In London 75% of emissions come from buildings - homes and offices. We need to free the financial flows that will make people invest in better energy efficiency and insulation." |
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