This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only those who have signed it.
The current world-wide economic crisis and its consequences
in terms of levels of unemployment, social hardship and social unrest
have highlighted the need for new economic models and sustainable
development policies.
The low-carbon economy is widely seen as an area for global
and long-term economic growth and has attracted the interest of
most political parties in recent years. The drive to reduce carbon
dioxide emissions is today a world-wide concern and many European
governments have committed themselves to targets for the reduction
of their national carbon dioxide emissions. This commitment requires
governments’ long-term support and strategic intervention in the
development of low-carbon economic activities through the implementation
of clear policy choices.
In the present economic climate, most organisations will face
many years of stringency measures. Banks will remain adverse to
risk-taking, and many governments themselves face the daunting task
of reducing national debt levels. In this context, the challenge
will be to transform existing economic models through investment
and innovation with low levels of public finance.
The undersigned members consider that the Parliamentary Assembly
should prepare a report and debate this important issue and encourage
the member states of the Council of Europe to draw on one-another’s experience
and knowledge.
