First of all: there is no super hero who will save the planet on his (or her) own while we all are asleep. Just as well, one country alone will not and cannot save the planet on its own and definitely not in just one day - not even in a single decade. Climate Change does not only jeopardize our natural resources and basis of life, but also puts at risk peace and stability on a global level.

Fortunately, the fight against climate change has brought together developed as well as developing countries, "North" and "South", big and small emitters, newly industrialised countries and old industrial states in an unprecedented coalition. The big objective is a new "Marshall plan" for the fight against climate change - a historic mission that unites us. So yes, first and foremost, the message is a positive and optimistic one: A lot has changed - in a good direction. The deadlock of Kyoto has been untied, a proper and sound basement for future action has been laid.

Leading the way is the European Union that has remarkably changed its self-conception from being a guarantor of peace and prosperity to a new momentous assignment that goes far beyond economic questions.

Sense of urgency

Especially the last year has brought the fight against Climate Change forward beyond comparison - even though the debate has been on the agenda for a longer time - starting with the global action on the depletion of the ozone layer (Montreal Protocol, 1987) or the Rio Summit (1992), now, a new quality, but also a "sense of urgency" has been conferred to the international action on Climate Change. Now, we know what is at stake - we now that our planet itself is at risk.

Amidst the world's mountain ranges, glaciers melt rapidly. If, for example, the glaciers of the Himalaya melt, about 40% of Asia's drinking water supply will be at risk - migrations and conflicts about the access to water might be the result. Similarly, a rise of sea level of only 90 cm would flood 20% of Bangladesh's surface - more than 35 million people would have to leave their homes. Already today, in Africa, there are more refugees due to Climate Change than due to (civil) war.

No panic, but: "first mover advantage" is priceless

All these examples illustrate the necessity of rapid engagement; however, the current situation is far from being panic-striken. In the coming years and decades, sea level rise will not lead to an inundation of the Netherlands, however, first mover advantages are of greatest importance especially when it comes to the economic chances Climate Change might offer.

Europe = protagonist

For years, Europe has proven to be a protagonist at international climate negotiations and has contributed to the success of both the Kyoto protocol and the following consultations. Numerous decisions on international level mirror the priority of "Climate Change" and the added momentum on both the European as well as the international agenda.

Thanks to the expansive decisions taken during 2007's Spring Council, the European Union now can act - credibly - as a precursor and mediator. However, if the European Union wants to uphold its unique position, those plans - up to now mere declarations of intent - have to be put into practise.

To achieve this, the European Commission did put forward the "climate" or "green package" at the beginning of the year. The Commission is sure that this package of proposals was "good for the planet, for the industry and for the citizen"; however, scope for improvements is left - especially with regard to industry and global competition. The parliamentary procedure for this package, as well as for the accompanying proposal on "Co2-reduction for cars" has already started, but remains difficult. Especially with regard to a possible consensus, prognoses are complicated. Furthermore, the European elections mid-2009 are right around the corner. The European Parliament, however, is well aware of its responsibility and committed to coherent actions in this important field.

Among the member states, Germany has adopted a special rank with its two "Climate packages" of December 2007 (Meseberg) and June 2008 - it is thus one of the first countries in the world proposing a way on how to actually reach the EU's targets.

EP's Climate Change Committee

The "Climate Change committee", which follows a horizontal approach and unites 60 members across all parties, reflects the outstanding commitment of the European Union. It will put forward holistic and comprehensive proposals regarding the EU-Climate Change Policy. In addition, the committee coordinates the position of the European Parliament in terms of the negotiations for a future agreement regarding climate change.

The Climate Change ommittee focuses on key issues which concern both the EU as well as its international partners. At the beginning of 2008 an "interim report", which exclusively deals with scientific facts, was published. Further and more detailed political observations of an integrated policy for Climate Change will be dealt with in the final report due in the middle of 2008 and voted at the beginning of 2009. One major aspect in this unprecedented report will be the necessity to achieve a change in awareness. Political actors must not only enforce isolated measures in specific (industrial) sectors. A new Industrial Revolution leading to a "carbon free society", which addresses both industry and private sector, needs to be the objective of every political action.

Debate

Accordingly, the channelling of the debate on Climate Change can be identified as one major accomplishment of this temporary committee. There are two main threads in the ongoing discussion.

Firstly, the two sides of the medal - both the crisis as well as the chance of new technologies arising through this challenge - have been put in the focus of the debate. Finally, as to all efforts on international as well as on state level, one question will decide: Is there a possibility of linking effective climate protection with a successful economic development? The EU and the European Parliament are determined to provide a positive answer - deliberately and balanced, but swift and in time to make use of any first mover advantage there might be.

Secondly, the realisation of Climate Change not being a single-issue debate has been decisive. We need to see the whole picture, perhaps take a few steps back and then use a holistic approach. Climate, environment, economy, security, solidarity and sustainability all have to be seen together - holistically. Climate Change is not only a change of natural landscapes, the carbon problem is merely the tip of the iceberg. What lies beneath the surface is the issue of natural resources and the way how we use them.

Climate Change - also a challenge regarding resources

Apart from Climate Change our utilisation of energy, raw materials and natural habitats is a key question of the 21st century. Not only since the Club of Rome's 1972 report on the "limits to growth" do we realise that the increase in prices for commodities will - to an ever larger extend - influence political actions. Unsurprisingly, world market prices for imported raw materials, for example, have increased by 81% between 2000 and 2005 - the fact that large countries like China, India, Brazil, and also Russia, are now catching up on industrialisation will further sharpen the conflict potential of this lack in energy and resources, and will therefore seriously affect our global economy.

Currently, about 25% of the global population use about 80% of its energy reserves. At the same time, industrialised countries are aware of the fact that they cannot deny the rest of the world their legitimate right to develop and to live a life in prosperity. The asymmetry between favoured and disadvantaged countries grows. This cannot be compatible with our tradition of solidarity and compensation.

The key to overcoming this dilemma can only be in using the resources still available much more efficiently and sustainable. The fast and comprehensive enhancement of utilisation efficiency, just as well as the increased use of renewable resources pose a further challenge. It is not the politicians or treaties setting the targets and deadlines in this respect - it is our planet. Still, a fast and easy solution is not to be seen, we always need to take into account all affected sectors and think of a set of measures rather than "the solution".

Role model or bad example?

What is of great importance: not exclusion strategies, but possibilities for participation need to be in the centre of the discussion. A fundamental change in behaviour and attitude is needed. A culture cannot be successful in the long run if it is based on the systematic depletion of resources. It cannot survive if it accepts the systematic exclusion of coming generations; it cannot serve as a role model for those it needs to win over in order to allow its own continuity.

This is a new issue that enters the arena of those trying to fight against Climate Change: The self-awareness of a community must lead to the realisation that not the decision on how to tackle a problem is the first step, but the decision on what kind of society we want to be in the future, on how we want to live our lives in the future. This has to be decided upon in the first place, and it is only then, when a discussion can start on how to solve problems hindering future development.

The main actors in the European Union, it seems, have understood this and try to act accordingly: there is a new tone in the negotiations. Any imposing attitude is avoided, and especially with regard to the developing countries, Europe tries to see itself rather in a partnership with those states than being the leading part in a "teacher-pupil" relation. The message is clear: please don't do the same mistake as we did.

Conclusion

Still, there is the determination to find a solution, but not yet knowledge on how to do that. However, the most important answer to all challenges lying ahead of our way is: We can do it - and there is even the possibility to make money!

We are on the best way to achieve this and to change our society fundamentally. The pace is increasing and the momentum and gravitation are continuously rising, not leaving anybody behind. Climate Protection no longer is an exclusive issue for a green minority, or a little part of environment policy, Climate Protection is a task for all of society. It unites economic policy, resource-policy, preservation of God's creation, solidarity and peace policy at once.

Karl-Heinz Florenz MEP, is the European Parliament's rapporteur on Climate Change and member of the Temporary Committee on Climate Change. karl-heinz.florenz@europarl.europa.eu