30/09/2009 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
The debate on the green economy in Europe and the United States held yesterday evening by PACE and the Alsace Region clearly underlined the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the earliest opportunity – between 50% and 85% by 2050 – as well as the idea that sustainable growth depends on the involvement of business. John Prescott (United Kingdom, SOC), PACE rapporteur on climate change, drew attention to the vitally important nature of the negotiations due at the Copenhagen Conference in December.
While a low-carbon economy will, of course, bring about radical change for growth, according to Kathleen McGinty, former environmental adviser to President Clinton, it should not undermine business competitiveness or employment, especially if governments promote investment in clean forms of energy.
In his opening address, Jean-Claude Mignon (France, EPP/CD), PACE Vice-President, also pointed out that living in a healthy environment is a fundamental right of all citizens and that the Assembly will this week be debating a parliamentary proposal to draw up an additional protocol to the ECHR recognising that right.
Opening address by Jean-Claude Mignon (French only)