The issue is the timing of this involvement. The debate is an issue of leadership and also of economic opportunity. Indeed, some economic groups see the opportunities in climate change policies. We also need public support as consumers, tax-payers and citizens are somewhat remote from the debate. They can be engaged by being shown the economic benefits to be gained, as well as the more immediate environmental benefits to be gained, such as a reduction in local pollution.
Climate change is our common concern, all over the world.
This conference should not concern itself unduly with science and theories. Our duty now is to work out pilot projects and to elaborate concrete plans for solving the problem. The commitment of parliamentarians is indispensable, as parliamentarians we have a particular duty in this matter. We cannot afford to extend the debate, to procrastinate and call for more research, even though that may be more comfortable. We not only need targets, we also want measures and policies to achieve these targets.