Foreign Minister on World Environment Day

Vienna, 4 June 2008 - "We all bear responsibility for the future of our planet. The industrialised nations, in particular, have to clearly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become more efficient in their consumption of energy. However, this must not occur at the expense of the poorest people in the world. Incentives and specific contributions to the social and economic advancement of developing countries must not slacken," affirmed Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik, commenting on tomorrow’s World Environment Day 2008 under the slogan "Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy!"

"Through numerous different projects and programmes at the global level Austria has for many years been committed to sustainable development, the protection of the environment and the preservation of natural resources," stated the Foreign Minister. About one third of the ADC budget is used for environmental protection, with projects ranging from a biomass-fuelled district heating system in Bosnia and Herzegovina through support for ecologically efficient farmers in Montenegro to solar energy plants in Uganda and Nicaragua. The focus is on benefit for the general population and business both of which are in urgent need of better, more reliable - but nevertheless low-priced - access to energy. Energy-saving measures and the provision of clean power simultaneously help reduce the burden presented by greenhouse gases.

"It is those in the least developed countries in particular who are affected the most by natural catastrophes occurring as a consequence of climate change. Developing countries need our swift support in order to be able to cope with the effects of climate change," affirmed Plassnik. The UN Convention on Climate Change is pursuing the right approach by making available funds which help affected countries adjust to the negative impacts of climate change. "Improving knowledge, raising awareness and building the necessary capacities are essential prerequisites from all sides," concluded the Foreign Minister.

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