500 participants “play the game” of 3x20%

With nearly 500 participating politicians, municipal practitioners, company directors and NGO representatives Energie-Cités’ Annual Rendezvous co-organised with Climate Alliance and Brussels Capital Region from 22 to 24 April 2009 has exceeded all expectations.

The inspiring speeches of the international guests Jeremy Rifkin, the US American economist, and Sunita Narain, Indian environmental activist, highlighted the urgent need for action to reduce the CO2 emissions at all levels. Rifkin stated: “As the European Union prepares for the Copenhagen Climate Summit in 2009, it is critical that we reframe the European and global discussion on climate change and energy security to the mission of making the transition from the second industrial revolution to a Third Industrial Revolution.”

The nearly 30 local forums on Thursday afternoon demonstrated that this transition is already ongoing in a number of European municipalities. In addition to the informal talks during the coffee breaks, the forums were an ideal opportunity to debate innovative local actions, from sustainable transport over renewable electricity to green festivals.

The second conference day was dedicated to the Covenant of Mayors and its practical implementation in cities and municipalities. Twelve European mayors presented their sustainable, local solutions in the fields of energy and climate. Stina Soewerta of the cabinet of EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and representatives of the Covenant of Mayors Office presented the means of support that the signatories can expect in the next month.

To see the photos, presentations and the video by Sunita Narain, please go to the Energie-Cités website