The European Union has launched a new environmental campaign to help start a European-wide discussion on what can be done to secure a climate-friendly future. A world you like. With a climate you like was set up by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action and seeks to put practical solutions at the centre of the climate change debate in order to showcase how green policies and action can actually increase welfare and bring added economic benefits to European citizens.
Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Climate Action, explains: “Our ambition for a low carbon society is not some distant future. It's about jobs now. It's about the innovation and competitiveness which we can harness today for a better tomorrow. ”
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, added: “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. This campaign – ‘A world you like. With a climate you like’ – is another example of the innovative approach to making a difference and I’m pleased to announce that the Department of Energy and Climate Change is an official partner.”
Davey continued: “Commissioner Hedegaard’s campaign focuses on engaging the business community, including small and medium enterprises. I support this strategy of engaging with the businesses – big and small – as they are and will be a crucial player in the long term change we need to bring about.”
The EU has set ambitious long-term carbon reduction targets to help minimise the impact of climate change. Even in the medium-term, the EU hopes to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent, improve energy efficiency by 20 percent and increase renewables’ share of the energy mix to 20 percent; all by 2020. It is hoped that the new campaign will go someway to helping achieve these goals.