The Assembly of European Regions and key actors push forward the fight against climate change
Copenhagen (DK), 15 December 2009
In the framework of the different activities organised by local authorities in parallel to the 15th Conference of Parties in Copenhagen, the Climate Group gathered for its “leaders’ summit” in Copenhagen a panel of international organisations of regions, federal States and private sector actors willing to change the tendencies of climate change. The elected politicians in the room represented 360 million people and a total GDP of 10 billion dollars. Ms Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), played an active role in the latest negotiations.
“We cannot emphasise enough what a major role regions play in the fight against climate change, since they are the ones that have to implement between 50 and 80% of mitigation and adaptation measures. Further evidence of the determination of regions and federal states comes today with the decision of the government of South Australia to commit itself to achieving 33% of clean energy by 2020, reflecting the Californian commitment,” Michèle Sabban commented.
Together with her global peers, Michèle Sabban has affirmed: “it is no longer time for discussion, it is now time for action!”and announced the creation of an AER Action Tank. She called upon all forces gathered in Copenhagen to join AER and identify concrete solutions to the climate change challenge. “Whatever the content of the agreement to be concluded on Friday, we will pursue our commitment and continue to support the progression of all regions towards a European and global green future. This struggle is crucial to our future. AER will also be happy to include economic decision-makers and industry to join our activities and bring their expertise.”
These initiatives complete the AER Belfort Appeal, adopted by the 270 AER member regions during the November 2009 AER General Assembly and brought to Copenhagen by the President.
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