LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Autumn 2009

by Jaroslaw Pietras

Sir,

Success at the Copenhagen climate conference will require more than negotiating skill. It will demand plenty of passion as well. It is precisely the passion of people like Danish Energy Minister Connie Hedegaard that could ensure success.

Hedegaard’s views make valuable reading both inside and outside the EU. For Europeans, it is a call to support the Union’s ambition plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions. For the EU’s negotiating partners, it is a clear statement that Europe is willing to lead the world. But the EU cannot, of course, make Copenhagen a success simply by setting a good example. It will require effort, argument and persuasion. Surely that is what leadership is all about? It is a combination of vision, critical analysis and political determination, as well as leading by example. The role of Europe on climate change is based on these foundations. Political vision and scientific analysis prompted Europe’s commitment to reduce CO2 emissions. And political determination led Europe to put innovative solutions into practice.

Europe's pioneering role in designing more efficient production processes is sending the rest of the world a strong signal about what is technically possible and economically viable. Such examples are essential in times of financial crisis and recession, when people are worried about making long-term decisions. The seeds of a less carbon-dependent economy which Europe is planting today may not bear fruit tomorrow. But Europe will reap the benefits in the not-too-distant future and secure a lead in technological advances thereafter.

Denmark is an excellent case in point. It is already at the forefront of renewable energy technology. Hedegaard mentioned Danish windmills, which are recognised the world over and exported to practically every continent. She could have picked many other examples of energy efficient products from Denmark, such as large scale bio-gas plants or technologies that help ensure carbon-free energy self-sufficiency on some Danish islands.

True leadership is not declared – it is exercised. As Hedegaard says, it requires concerted action. Achieving such unity in Europe is tough, since the EU is now more diverse than ever. Yet this diversity is also an asset. It proves that climate policies can win support from countries with dissimilar development backgrounds and different sources of energy. If EU member states have been able to agree an ambitious climate and energy package, then there must be hope for Copenhagen.