Press Release
As the COP15 climate change summit in Copenhagen draws to a close, consumers are eager to act
18 Dec 2009
Press Statement
Representing more than 220 consumer organisations from 115
countries, CI took the message to Copenhagen that many consumers
want to act on climate change, but feel unable to do so because of
government inaction and a lack of genuine green alternatives from
business. Equally, consumers - especially in the developing world
are adversely affected by climate change and need to be considered
in relation to adaptation measures.
Consumers need to be central in the roadmap towards climate
sustainability. We needed outcomes of COP15 capable of encouraging,
enabling and inspiring consumer action so consumers can consume in
a more sustainable way. That's not the situation now- and there is
a great risk of huge consumer detriment from current inaction.
If we are to mitigate climate change consumers should be closely
involved in implementation. We do not need to wait for COP16. It's
time to move on.
At COP15 the focus has been on setting a limit on temperature
increase by controlling greenhouse gas emissions. It is now of
vital importance that focus gradually includes implementation
strategies.
The world's climate is not going to be saved by papers, only
through action. It's time to create the conditions under which
individual and collective consumer actions can contribute to a
sustainable future.
We therefore urge world and national leaders to ensure that
consumers and their organisations are invited as partners in
fighting climate change.
Rasmus Kjeldahl, Head of Delegation for
Consumers International in Copenhagen, said:
'Consumers across the world are ready to take action against
climate change. We will continue to work across the world, helping
consumers to make the changes in lifestyles needed to combat
climate change. We call for the support of world leaders.'