COP17 – Saving tomorrow today
Global climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. At the COP17 U.N. Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa, high-ranking representatives from the community of nations met to discuss solutions. Technological innovations belong to the strongest levers to combat the negative consequences of climate change. And most of the technological solutions that hold the key to our success are already available today. As a leader in climate protection technologies and green urban infrastructures, Siemens partnered with the South African Department of Environmental Affairs, the South African Local Government Association and the South African Cities Network. The company was involved in side events and thought leadership conferences being held in conjunction with COP17. Siemens is working with the world today to create answers that last for the world of tomorrow.
Effectively limiting carbon dioxide emissions
The level of man-made CO2 emissions worldwide climbed to a new record of 30 billion tons in 2010. If the battle against climate change and the acidification of our oceans is to be won, it is imperative to counter this trend. Cities will play a key role in this battle, because cities account for two thirds of global energy demand and up to 70 percent of worldwide GHG emissions.
Siemens is designing its technology to last longer and use fewer resources. The company is helping its customers reduce their CO2 emissions and is pioneering new answers with one of the world’s largest environmental portfolios.
As a result, Siemens was named the best in its business sector by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and recognized as the top company overall by the Carbon Disclosure Project, the world’s largest independent database of corporate climate change information.
Siemens is working with the world today to create answers that last for the world of tomorrow.
Innovations are the most effective means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Sophisticated technical solutions for climate protection already exist today. They include renewable power generation using wind, solar, and hydro-electric power plants, and, in particular, technologies that significantly increase energy efficiency during power generation and support the efficient use of energy in buildings, traffic, and industry.
Siemens covers the entire spectrum of these solutions with the most comprehensive environmental portfolio in the world. As a technology partner, Siemens helps cities in their sustainable development. Visitors to the pavilion at the Sustainable Cities Roadshow could discover how Siemens helps cities achieve more efficiency, sustainability, and climate protection. The roadshow is a presentation platform for topics like traffic, energy infrastructure, industrial production, and building technologies, including green buildings, renewable resources, and green cars.
Siemens’ commitment to COP17
In addition to the Sustainable Cities Roadshow, Siemens exhibited the eRuf Roadster electric sports car and the eChopper electric motorcycle, along with a gallery of children’s drawings, at the Local Government Pavilion. Siemens was also involved in a range of important events and conferences in conjunction with COP17:
- Green City Index Africa: Press conference and publication of the results
- World Climate Summit, December 3-4, 2011
- World Business Council for Sustainable Development, December 4-5, 2011
- World Economic Forum Durban Growth Series, December 4-5, 2011
- B4E – Business for Environment, December 6, 2011
“Road to Durban” – the CNN campaign in cooperation with Siemens
In the monthly show “Road to Durban: a Green City Journey,” CNN explores cities that are making strides in reducing their carbon footprint. To accompany the show, the CNN iReport provides you with the opportunity to share with a worldwide audience your point of view on the topic of cutting carbon emissions and reducing your carbon footprint.
Send in a video of your ideas, or other examples you've seen at work. The best ideas could be showcased on CNN.
Kids´drawings of their vision of a sustainable city
It's our children who will inherit the future. So, we're asking them what kind of city they would like to live in.
As part of a global educational and awareness program Siemens is engaging with children in South Africa to draw their vision of a sustainable city. Their drawings were showcased at the Local Government Pavilion in Durban during COP17. The gallery of children's art was our way of giving them a voice and an opportunity to share their views on the importance of ensuring sustainable living in the world's cities.
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