Global 100% renewable energy pact possible

World Future Council: global 100% renewable energy pact possible

Abu Dhabi, January 21: “The common aim of worldwide energy policy has to be a complete switch to renewable” said World Future Council Director of Programmes Prof. Herbert Girardet in his keynote speech at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi today.

“Right now, in the midst of the global financial crisis, governments have the chance to set a new course: Renewable energies assure a clean environment, energy security and millions of new, sustainable jobs,” Girardet said in front of delegates at the world’s biggest energy conference with 15,000 participating experts. “The renewable energies sector is developing fast, but not fast enough.”

Girardet welcomed the United Arab Emirates’ decision to cover 7% of their energy needs with renewable energies by 2020. “This shows that decisive new developments are under way in oil-producing countries as well,” he said. Girardet emphasized the successful expansion of renewable energies in countries such as Germany, Spain and Portugal through ‘feed-in tariff’ laws. He commended US President Barack Obama’s announcement to invest 150 billion dollars in green jobs and technologies. “Never before have conditions for renewables been so good,” Girardet stated. “It is incomprehensible that many countries still give preference to fossil fuels and even nuclear energy.” Girardet called on the international community to give renewable energies and energy efficiency top priority in their policy decisions. “That is the only chance we have to win the race against time and avoid the worst consequences of climate chaos,” he said.

In addition to Director of Programmes Girardet, the Hamburg based World Future Council is represented by Hermann Scheer, Member of German Parliament, and Director Climate and Energy Stefan Schurig at the three day conference organized by the Masdar Corporation.

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