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This week I write to you from Europe where, with only a month to go until world leaders convene for COP15, the conversation on climate change echoes much of what is heard in the U.S.
Take, for example, the topics I was asked to ponder as a panelist at the Friends of Europe Policy Summit in Brussels on Wednesday. The panel on which I sat posed this question: “Are Technological Developments Set to Revolutionize Our Thinking about Sustainable Energy?” Indeed, many of America’s brightest minds are trying to answer just that.
Likewise, the issues discussed during the session – where to find funds for efficiency upgrades or new energy pilot projects; how to de-carbonize the global economy through greater energy efficiency, more sustainable energy and less fossil energy – are the very same that U.S. policymakers hope to resolve in the process of developing federal climate and energy legislation.
The similarities continued that day at the 9th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, also in Brussels. My presentation on U.S. energy efficiency policy under the new Obama Administration was complemented by those of the other panelists, who explored all elements of Europe’s energy efficiency movement – from energy efficiency labeling, to national energy efficiency action plans, to energy efficiency in buildings. Sound familiar? It was enough to make me homesick!
There’s no doubt that, given today’s economic and environmental imperatives, immediate deployment of energy efficiency is critical. This is true no matter where on the earth you’re standing. I am certain that, come the end of this week, when I visit our friends at the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) to speak at ARC’s Fifty Forward Steering Committee meeting, I will hear many of the concerns, ideas and hopes put forward by those in I’ve met in my recent travels.
What I’ve concluded is this: while leaders from all corners of the world posit many of the same questions regarding energy efficiency implementation, we advocates and experts have a unique opportunity to showcase energy efficiency as the number one “fuel” of a robust global economy. The climate – pardon the pun – for energy efficiency has never been better. And I am as delighted to spread the word about the importance of energy efficiency in policy, business and industry as I am to be joined by the Alliance’s likeminded partners, board members and Associates. In my opinion, the energy efficiency community is “ready-set” for next month’s conference Copenhagen. Ours will be one of many conversations taking place at this historical event; it is our task to make it the most influential.
Best,
Kateri Callahan
President, Alliance to Save Energy
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