Prague, 21st October 2010, National Technical Library, Technická 6, Prague
!!! Video of the conference's presentations available on VIMEO by clicking here !!!
Objective
This conference fostered a dialogue on challenges associated with the transition to a less energy intensive, low-carbon economy. Best practices were presented which support green growth, create new jobs and thus increase the competitiveness of economies. The conference provided a forum for experts from the EU and the US to discuss the prospects for economic modernization compatible with ambitious GHG emission reduction targets. Specific policy recommendations for the energy sector of the Czech Republic were presented.
Synopsis
EU-wide, one sector stands out during the economic crisis. The renewable energy industry points to increased turnover and job growth. There are many examples which show that energy efficiency, sustainability and climate protection go hand in hand with economic growth and the creation of new jobs.
At the international level, these developments have already produced political results. The OECD has presented its Green Growth Strategy, which calls for the elimination of environmentally harmful subsidies, for the incorporation of externalities into price building mechanisms, as well as for funds for research in clean technologies. Many EU member states fund programmes which aim at developing environmentally friendly and energy efficient technologies and products that are perceived as drivers of future economic growth.
The Czech Republic and its new government now face the question of how to respond to these trends. This conference discussed specific examples, practices and policies of how green growth is being stimulated in the US and the EU. The Czech Republic, which consumes 50% more energy per unit of GDP than Western EU member states, has an enormous potential in this respect. Therefore the conference will present and discuss specific policy recommendations for the Czech Republic.
Working Languages: English / Czech (simultaneous translation)
Registration: info@boell.cz
PROGRAM
9.00 – 9.30 Registration
9.30 – 9.45 Opening
9.45 – 10.15 Key note speech
Tomáš Sedláček, economist, Czech Republic
10.15 – 12.00 Panel I
Green Growth: Prospects and Barriers
Why are investments in green technology innovations important for a post-crisis economy? What is the growth potential of green innovation? How can state and private investments become greener and more effective at the same time? How can the pricing of externalities stimulate investments into new green technologies?How can energy intensive industries play a part in a low carbon economy?
Speakers
Bracken Hendricks, Senior Fellow, Centre for American Progress, USA
Juraj Mesík, analyst and consultant, Slovakia
Tomáš Sedláček, economist, Czech Republic
Marc Barrett, energy analyst, University College London
Chair
Bedřich Moldan, Senator, Czech Republic
12.00 – 13.00 Lunch
13.00 – 14.45 Panel II
Smart Policies: How to Stimulate Green Growth
What kind of policy measures and infrastructure are needed to advance green growth? Which policies set the right price signals for better resource efficiency and renewable resources? What kind of social innovations would those measures imply? What are successful strategies and policy instruments abroad and which are especially relevant in the Czech context?
Speakers
Martin Bursík, former Minister of the Environment, Czech Republic
David Foster, Executive Director, BlueGreen Alliance, USA
Ralf Fücks, President, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Germany
Vojtěch Kotecký, Hnutí DUHA/Friends of the Earth Czech Republic
Chair
Bastian Hermisson, Head of EU/North America Department, Heinrich Böll Stiftung
14.45 – 15.15 Coffee break
15.15 – 16.45 Panel III
Smart Technologies and Markets
What are economic and technology trends regarding green innovations? Are green technology innovations just an expensive toy for policymakers at taxpayer expense? Can we have both clean energy and security of energy supply? Which technology innovations can provide more energy efficiency and clean energy production in the Czech Republic?
Speakers
Amy Butler, Deputy Director, Bureau of Energy Systems, Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth
Roman Pavloušek, Director, Advisory Services, PriceWaterhouseCoopers CR
Miroslav Zamečník, economist, Czech Republic
Chair
David Tramba, journalist, Lidové noviny, Czech Republic
16.45 – 17.00 Concluding remarks
Partners of the conference are: Hnutí DUHA, Charles University Environment Center, British Council, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, US Embassy, British Embassy
Under the Auspices of Senator Bedřich Moldan, Parliament of the Czech Republic
This project has been made possible by funding from the European Commission.The European Commission is not responsible for the content of the project.
With the financial support of the State Environmental Fund of the Czech Repubic and the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic.
Contact
Erik Siegl
Programme Coordinator
Heinrich Böll Stiftung
Opatovická 28, 110 00 Praha
+420 251 814 173, siegl@boell.cz