On 16 May the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) organised a public hearing on climate change. A large number of representatives of civil society and the EU institutions gave presentations on what is being done, what can be done and what should be done to combat climate change. The speakers list included representatives from the industry, trade unions, NGOs, and professional organisations.
"We have to get the March Council conclusions to work in reality, and fast", stated Mr Carl, Director General of DG Environment. He suggested strengthening the Emission Trading Scheme, developing carbon capture and storage, limiting transport emissions, and generally focussing on sustainable growth. Ms Soewarta from the cabinet of Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs stressed the importance of looking at the potential of energy efficiency through better consumer information and labelling, eco-design, guidelines for buildings, and education and awareness-raising.
Mobilising citizens and civil society, making them aware of climate change and sensitising them to take all the small actions possible on an individual basis – those were also the points on which Mr Guido Sacconi, MEP and Chairman of the newly installed Temporary Committee on Climate Change, invited the EESC to work together with the European Parliament.
See full Press Release.
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