In parallel to persuading the world to cut carbon emissions and limit global warming, the EU’s new climate action Commissioner, Connie Hedegaard, is pushing hard to get the maximum contribution from EU research and innovation to help cut energy consumption and carbon emissions. 

When I spoke to her recently she told me that one of her principal tasks in the new Commission is to direct climate change thinking and priorities into relevant EU policy areas. High on the agenda are research and innovation, energy, transport and agriculture.

While the EU continues to be a good role model in championing climate action, Hedegaard also sees important economic advantages for the EU in continuing to lead the field in the area of eco-friendly technologies.  

Innovation is increasingly recognised as a significant factor in the EU’s economic growth as well job creation and energy security, she says.

“But on the technological front, the EU has to move fast,” she cautions. “China, for example, is rapidly becoming the world leader in solar and wind energy technology. Europe must not be left behind. The issues at stake now are as much economic as environmental.” 

Whilst the basic building blocks of climate legislation have already been adopted by the EU in areas such as energy efficiency and CO2 emission reductions, much action is needed, stresses Hedegaard, to permit effective implementation. New technologies and additional measures at the sectoral level are essential. 

Connie Hedegaard came to international prominence in December 2009 during the Copenhagen climate change conference (COP15) which, as Denmark’s environment minister, she was responsible for organising. 

Contrary to dramatic press reports at the time, she did not walk out of the summit. “This was misunderstood by the media,” she explains. “It was an issue of diplomatic protocol that when Heads of State and Government joined the top table, I had to stand aside for my Prime Minister. I then switched my attention to the nitty gritty sectoral meetings where important work was accomplished.” 

Hedegaard points out that COP 15 was successful in delivering commitments on funding and an agreement to keep temperature rises below 2°C, to which both developed countries and emerging economies subscribed.

There were also concrete successes such as the EU's €7.2 billion contribution to international “fast-track” financing aimed at helping the poorest countries take action on climate change between 2010 and 2012.

Hedegaard will be a key player at the follow-up meeting in Cancún, Mexico, in December 2010.

She intends pushing the international community towards accepting a 30% target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, and says she believes it will not be nearly so difficult to achieve as some would fear “if done in an intelligent way”.  

Her statement of intent sends “a clear message to both industry and politicians about where we are all headed so that appropriate action – such research as investment - can be initiated.” 

Added 6 April 2010 i