20 March 2009

Climate conclusions from Copenhagen

Climate change is happening faster than previously estimated. That was the dire conclusion from the international climate congress recently held in Copenhagen. The good news: Energy efficiency is a key instrument to save at least 80% of CO2 before 2050.

The Rockwool Group had a prominent presence at the international climate congress. From left it is CEO Eelco van Heel and Thomas Nordli, Group Communications, talking to one of the delegates.

Rockwool International A/S was one of the star sponsors at the International Scientific Congress on Climate Change that took place in Copenhagen from 10-12 March 2009 as a forerunner for UN Climate conference COP15.

2,500 delegates from more than 80 countries gathered to focus on climate change and to provide the political decision-makers with crucial, up-to-date knowledge about climate change so that an ambitious climate agreement can be signed in Copenhagen in December 2009.

Worst case scenario is here

Some of the conclusions from the congress were that:

A number of worst-case IPCC scenario trajectories (or even worse) are being realised e.g. mean surface temperature, sea-level rise, ocean and ice sheet dynamics, ocean acidification and extreme climatic events.
Rapid, sustained and effective mitigation based on coordinated global and regional action is required to avoid "dangerous climate change" – there is no excuse for inaction.
Energy efficiency and new climate technologies are essential to abate climate change.

During the final session, the scientists’ conclusions were discussed very intensely with Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who is hosting the COP15 in December, and has the difficult but vital task to prepare for an international climate agreement in the midst of a financial crisis.

Energy efficiency is a key instrument

A key conclusion, reiterated - not least by economist Dr. Lord Nicolas Stern - was that immediate action is needed. We need to cut CO2 emissions drastically. The curve should start declining no later than 2015. If we start now, the costs will be acceptable (1-2 per cent of GDP). If we wait, costs will be much higher and we risk exceeding tipping points where climate processes cannot be rolled back, even if we wanted to.

It is vital that the economic stimulus packages invest in low-carbon jobs and not in a traditional, high carbon future dependant on scarce and expensive fossil fuel. Energy efficiency, not least insulation of our buildings, was mentioned as cost-effective measures that we can and must take today.

Read more about the conclusions from the congress:
Key messages from the congress