Denmark’s effort at ambitious climate change and energy policies has been recognised with a prestigious environmental award.
The country’s commitments to achieving 100 per cent renewable energy across the entire economy by 2050 has been applauded by the global environmental group WWF.
Danish Prime Minister, Ms Helle Thorning-Schmidt, will be presented with WWF’s most prestigious Gift to the Earth Award next Monday.
“Denmark shows that it is possible to develop a sustainable society and at the same time secure economic growth and welfare.
“Hopefully other countries will look toward Denmark for inspiration to rise to the urgent challenge of protecting the Earth’s climate.
“As a global conservation organisation, WWF recognizes Danish leadership on this important matter” said Jim Leape, WWF International Director General, who will present the award.
The award is a public celebration by WWF of significant conservative action made by governments, companies or other organisations.
WWF said that despite evidence of noteworthy climate change, the world was not responding quick enough.
More than two thirds of currently known fossil fuel reserves must stay in the ground to address climate change, while major investors, including governments, must shift their focus to enabling renewable energy and phasing out investment in fossil fuels, especially coal.
“We know that the world’s current economic growth model is no longer sustainable.
“Denmark is demonstrating strong leadership by showing the potential for long-term sustainable growth through the development of renewable energy and energy efficient solutions,” said Mr Leape.
The award will be presented at the Global Green Growth Forum (3GF) in Copenhagen in the presence of governments, international political leaders and global corporate leaders.
