E3G

Invitation: Can Europe lead the world to a stable climate?

By Chris Littlecott

The latest in Green Alliance’s soap box series of debates will take place at 6.30pm on the 16th May, focused on the question Can Europe lead the world to a stable climate?.

As coincidence would have it, E3G will be in Rome that day launching the Italian version of our ‘Europe in the World’ pamphlet, which includes some of our thoughts on precisely this issue. We’re disappointed to miss the Green Alliance debate but delighted to see that our great friend Ian Christie will be taking part. Details of the event follow below.

Can Europe lead the world to a stable climate?

How can Europe’s leaders be persuaded to show greater commitment and leadership on climate change? The issue has risen dramatically up the European political agenda over the past twelve months. It is seen by some as the issue that can re-connect Europe to its citizens. But commitment varies hugely across the continent, and even the more supportive European leaders are schizophrenic at best when it comes to backing rhetoric with action. The climate change and energy package proposed by the Commission in January was resisted by many member states. How can we broaden and deepen Europe’s commitment to tackling climate change?

Four speakers from a range of perspectives will kick-start this debate with brief opening statements:

Pierre Schellekens, deputy head of cabinet of EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas;

Martin Kremer, German embassy science attache, personal advisor on climate and energy to Ambassador Ischinger;

Ian Christie, Green Alliance associate and author of Green Alliance pamphlet Sustaining Europe;

Stephan Singer, Head of European Climate and Energy Policy Unit, WWF.

This will be a participative event, with plenty of time for contributions from a high level audience from politics, business and the environmental movement to debate this critical issue. The event will be followed at 8pm by a drinks and canapés reception.

If you have an interest in attending this event please contact Kathryn Cook at Green Alliance.