Climate Changed; Is it too late for planet Earth to recover?

It is less alarming that, while climate change has concerned the scientific community for more than a century, the headlines «saw» the problem is only in recent years. Today, 185 years since the French mathematician Jean-Baptiste Fourier first argued that the Earth's temperature may rise because certain gases in the atmosphere, the proportion of the greenhouse effect is more timely than ever.

The eight warmest years than when measurements began around-1850 - registered since 1998, while reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicate that the planet is still hot, almost certainly as a result of human activities. Last summer, the total volume of ice in the Arctic reached the lower levels, at least the last seventy years and probably the last eight millennia. The NASA and the National Data Center of Polo America has an alarm signal, as the latest measurements show that parts of the ice melt is not restored during the winter months. In addition, the concentration of old ice has decreased significantly, while in summer of 2007 «lost» a cold area the size of Alaska. A recent study, researchers at the University of Colorado, by 2037 the Arctic ice will melt completely during the summer.

In the late 19th century, scientists have begun to suspect that the coal may contribute to increased air temperature, but should be several decades until they realize that the process had already begun. The systematic measurement of atmospheric CO2 levels started in 1957 by oceanographer David Keeling, who soon noticed a growing trend. The future of humanity and the whole world could be very different if the reaction to this observation is not enough to twenty-two years late. The first global conference on climate change, during which the governments of the world were encouraged to take preventive measures against anthropogenic climate change, organized in 1979. The prevailing mentality has changed little since 1985, when the international conference on global warming ended with the conclusion that «in the first half of the 21st century greenhouse gases will cause a greater temperature increase in the annals of mankind».

What ultimately prompted the UN to establish the IPCC was the unprecedented drought that terrorized the U.S. in 1989. The maiden report of the Commission revealed that the planet has warmed by five points in the last century. In 1992 in Brazil, the 154 Member Governments agreed-unofficially-that by 2000 the developed countries would reduce carbon dioxide emissions at 1990 levels. However, the largest producer of global CO2-the U.S. has agreed to four years later, when it was clear that most countries would not achieve the objectives of the Treaty. Negotiations led to the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the commitment that by 2012 the emissions of developed countries is 5% lower than 1990. Once again, the U.S. refused to sign. Despite repeated warnings from scientists, the protocol was only implemented in 2005. Meanwhile, various parts of the world affected by severe flooding and Europe had experienced the hottest summer for at least the last hundred years.

In October 2006, the study by the economist Sir Nicholas Stern has attracted the spotlight, counting the possible consequences of climate change in the global economy.

This was followed by several efforts to negotiate with the participation of scientists, political leaders and executives of multinational companies, but to take a decision about the future of the planet.

Emissions of carbon dioxide continue to rise rapidly, while the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is higher than the last 420 millennia. Furthermore, WWF estimates that if the needs of humanity continue to grow with these rates, by 2050 we need natural resources but not a two planets like Earth. The shortcomings of the great projects promoted by governments of the world against climate change is often concealed by even the scientists themselves, who fear that the pessimistic forecasts would definitely discourage those who have the willingness to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors. The distrust of the scientific community in policy statements came to light during a recent survey by British newspaper «Guardian». As demonstrated by the responses of participants in the climate conference held in March in Copenhagen, the vast majority of experts did not believe that mankind will be able to limit the temperature increase to two degrees Celsius by the levels of the Industrial Revolution.

Indeed, although more than half of respondents answered that the targeting of two points can still be achieved, only 14% think it is unlikely in practice. Indeed, several scientists, who are the world «elite» special on climate change, said that only a series of extreme weather events would force politicians to take action. The planet is already about 0.8 degrees warmer than what the 19th century and further growth is inevitable because of the huge amounts of CO2 released into the atmosphere in recent decades. The rise of four degrees, provided in accordance with the predominant scenario would result in rising sea levels, desertification of large areas and the destruction of thousands of species of life

biologic Cosmetics

In recent years a new market for cosmetics and spread to Greece, that of organic cosmetics. Companies such as «Korres», the «Lavera», «Body Shop», «Mastiha», «Fresh Line» and do other known organic cosmetics in the middle of Greek and Greek. First we explain that organic cosmetic is that which has been carried out quality control on raw materials during production, but the final product before and after packaging. The processes followed to produce are environmentally friendly. All components of organic cosmetics is recognizable and acceptable by our organization, which works and the benefits of the products are even greater. Organic cosmetics based on herbal ingredients from certified organic farming (no pesticides, chemical fertilizers, herbicides). The organic cosmetics not find chemical preservatives (like parabens), emulsifiers (PEG), synthetic fragrances or animal ingredients.
To those who wonder whether organic cosmetics can have the same beneficial effects as conventional cosmetics, probably we are used, the answer is yes and above. Organic Cosmetics can not only have the same properties as conventional in the epidermis, and improve the body thanks to antioxidants and essential oils they contain. Most importantly, organic cosmetics have side effects. The positive fact is that there are organic cosmetics that meet the needs of the whole family on a daily facial & body. There are also specialty products for special situations importance of the skin.There are biological differences between conventional and herbal cosmetics? The differences are numerous. Organic cosmetics have a holistic approach to skin and the body generally results in temporal and permanent. In contrast, conventional cosmetics are often temporary results and many ingredients are not only harmful to the skin, but also for our health. Being a 100% herbal product is unfortunately not enough, because the plants are usually aggravated by harmful pesticides and petrochemicals. So to be a sure there are no harmful substances in cosmetics, will have all the plants are the ingredients of the product is organically grown and certified by a credible international organization.

We have confidence in organic cosmetics if they have confidence both in nature and other credentials to carrying products from international and authoritative bodies. What we need to pay particular attention is to have a certification of the whole product not just of some components and the rest are chemicals. All organic cosmetics must appear on the packaging of who has been certified, the ingredients, as well as the expiry date. Certification «VEGAN», known for vegetarians, demonstrating that the product is free from animal ingredients.
Control ranking based on the product components. And finally, an international recognized body certify the final product if it follows the strict standards set. Natural, herbal, organic, organic is but a few adjectives used by the cosmetics industry to diversify the products they produce.
About «Korres» cooperates with ECOCERT, an independent certification body worldwide, which guarantees the use of organic ingredients and adopt processes that are environmentally friendly and sustainable development.


«Aim at European level is to be in the future a single certification body, while a single platform specification, which will help facilitate the same and the consumer, leading to homogenization of the market (in terms of the certification mark) and simultaneous reduction of confusion caused by many different "messages" »says Martha Mitsopoulou, head of research and development company.

«In essence the question of biological differences and not contractual terms of efficiency, but it is a matter of personal choice between a super-abundance of products, based on the needs, aspirations and attitudes towards life in important issues such as This environmental protection.

In our country move certified organic cosmetic production both Greek and other EU countries Various models have several differences between them, but several common features, including:
-The percentage of certified organic plant ingredients must be at least 95%. The remaining 5% of the ingredients come from specific lists of permitted substances (chemical origin), but it is not toxic or allergenic.
-You should not contain ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms.
-For the production of certified cosmetic should not have been tested on animals.
-It is mandatory to list all ingredients on labels, and the rate of participation in the formulation.
-Organic ingredients to be labeled in various ways (eg by an asterisk).
-The use of animal products and by-where permitted-must come from certified organic farming and not to kill animals to obtain these ingredients.
-You may not use radiation for the disinfection of cosmetics.

Seeking an organic cosmetic market, the shelves of pharmacies and stores organic products, consumers will find several options. What, then, «green» product? The certification bodies have stressed that the ingredients are organic and disposal is allowed on the market is fully tested. It is true that since 2003 the EU proceeded to the adoption of the Cosmetics Directive (76/768) and banned one thousand one hundred ingredients, the most dangerous substances in cosmetics trade have been replaced with other safe. But organic cosmetics go one step further. The certification bodies prohibit the use of genetically modified and synthetic substances (eg dyes with ammonia) substances such as nail polish remover, preservatives such as parampen and oil derivatives. Furthermore do not allow experiments on animals, and require the substances used therein have a low environmental impact.

The biggest myth is that an organic product contains 100% organic materials produced without pesticides and chemicals, which are allowed in conventional farming. The truth is that the market rarely find purely organic cosmetics, no trace of chemical preservatives. Organic products, as conventional, may contain specific chemicals which are not classified hazardous by the EU But how a product will remain unchanged and how to prevent bacterial growth? According to the British certification body «Soil Association», organic cosmetics under water, such as creams, lotions and shampoos, we have preservatives to make it safe.

These may be either natural or synthetic, but those allowed by the EU The largest European operator, the French «Ecocert», testifying as an organic cosmetic in which at least 95% of the herbal ingredients and 10% of content produced organically. Nevertheless, the quota does not include either water, which can be as high as 50% of the content, or salt. Therefore, a cosmetic can be sold as organic without being 100%, while the remaining 5%, 25% and 30% may contain ingredients rigorously tested by operators, which are on the approved list.

Ultimately it is more organic and natural products; organic cosmetics can be certified, but the natural plant and what happens? The past sometimes contain organic ingredients (eg natural cosmetics «Macrovita»), but usually not certified, either because they have not fully endorsed the composition of motivating the players or because the packaging material is not entirely environmentally friendly. Moreover, few agencies certify natural or herbal cosmetics. The matter does not end here.

Natural cosmetics are not necessarily the plant. Can components be of natural origin (eg milk, minerals). In addition, herbal cosmetics based on herbs and raw materials from the animal kingdom. The sounds that allergies cause is still a myth, since they may be caused by synthetic cosmetics. However, to encourage companies to do a first test.

About «Korres Natural Products», on the other hand, states that have completely replace silicon, the paraffin oil derivatives in vegetable oils and propylene glycol with safe substances. Finally, the company commits that 90% of its products contain no preservatives parampen.

Is the figure of 100% organic cosmetics is still low, but those that are currently marketed are innocent of our skin and environmentally friendly. But how effective some of them, eg anti-aging products, including test. I read the ingredients carefully, and your certification label can choose safely right product for your skin.

It is more expensive organic cosmetics than conventional?
The species now-be it food or cosmetic products vary in price compared to conventional counterparts. This is mainly due to expenses related to organic farming. Organic ingredients are more expensive than conventional, but at final product prices are usually available as in the series «Korres Materia Herba», where the indicative price range between 16-30 euros.

Usually use of Greek origin products to manufacture organic cosmetics?
About «Korres» using natural and certified organic ingredients Greek and international origin in order to be able to develop a range of products with clinically proven efficacy, as in the case of products «Korres Materia Herba». «The restriction only in" Greek "organic ingredients today will significantly limit the possibilities of Product Development» Martha Mitsopoulou points.

Companies with certified organic products
Herbal Products Fuller (products Logona, Victor Philip)
Herbal and organic products Paul Bakratsas SA (vegetable dyes Nature Lab, Petrini Beauty Company, cosmetics Hair Balance)
Korres
Lavera
Apivita: two organic sunscreen
Vill Bonovas Handmade Soaps Company: twenty-three with soaps based on olive oil, mint, honey etc.
Vioplasis-Ramnus Laboratories: the whole series Bioplasis
Bioselect: Everything from sunscreen
Vodhisattva: all
EBIK: four products
Iebena: Nine
Kapa Cosmetics: all
Mastic Spa: series Bio-eco mastic
Natura Hellenica: ten products
Sfinx: a product for hair.

Organic Food

If you go into a liquor store or health food store and ask for organic wine, the more correct answer would have to take is «no». What we can now enjoy a conscious wine lover is «wine from organic grapes» indeed a quality that often has nothing to envy than conventional wines. Furthermore, it stressed that people from the world of wine is that the main difference between a wine from organic grapes and a conventional is that during the production of the first not charged environment.

In order to claim a wine characterization of «organic» need principle grape used to produce coming from organic grapes. The labels of all the wines from organic grapes that must be entered from organic vineyards, while the alert and the code of the certification body for organic products certifying the above.

The certification that a vineyard produces organic grapes grown ensure that no chemical fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides, using only manure or preparations in organic farming. This means that their production is not detrimental to the natural environment and no risk of chemical residues to the consumer.

In order, however, be certified as an organic wine is not enough simply to be produced from organic grapes grape. And should the process of vinification is organic, which is currently impossible to pan, since there is still no single institutional framework that defines what winemaking techniques are allowed. What, though, is the fundamental difference between organic and conventional wine? According to experts in body and organic certification DIO, one of the key points which should intervene in the European legislation is the amount of sulfur compounds used for the preservation of wine. Specifically, the new legislation expected to supplement the legislation on organic farming by providing the authorized winemaking techniques and the levels of permitted formulations (sulfur dioxide, concentrated grape) to be a European, truly organic wine.Here it should be noted that sulfur killed fungi that convert wine into vinegar and used since ancient times, wine production, with references even to Homer. Because large quantities can cause problems in people with sensitivity (headaches, worsening of asthma), the legislation sets limits are 210 mg / lt for white wines and 160 mg / lt in the red. The sulfur, even now stated on the label of wine in order to protect those who are vulnerable to these substances.

Over 500 biological winegrowers-wine makers
In recent years, the cultivation of vines to organic farming in our country has moved rapidly. The vine is well adapted to the Greek environment, so it was not a strong need for human intervention and a good quality production and a shift of winemakers with quality wine and private label the past 15 years marked the move away from intensive farming. Moreover, as noted experts as the Master of Wine Lazarakis Constantine, Greek vineyards have always been organic, even before invented organic farming: old wine growers used manure and spraying with copper and sulfur, while combatting weeds by digging. The key, however, for the penetration of organic farming in the wine was observed on the part of producers that there are differences in taste due to the raw material between the wines from organic grapes and conventional. As with conventional wines, any disputes arising from the technique of vinification and marketing of its own winemaker.

According to data from the two major certification bodies in organic farming, the agency DIO and Vioellas Institute, the number of certified companies engaged in production of organic grapes and wine to reach five hundred. These, indeed, and include big names from the world of wine as Lazaridis, Spiropoulos, Boutari, Papaioannou, etc., possibly persuaded by the positive experience of their colleagues and the quality of wines from organic grapes.

Delighted with the quality of the materials offered by organic grapes says Manousos Tamiolakis, the eponymous family winery in the region of Heraklion, which spent almost ten years in total organic farming, and ranks among the winners in the third round of wine grapes organic farming. As he says, the first time presented their wines from organic vineyards, worried about public acceptance of biological origin indicated on the back label. «Finally, we had to change in a time of labels to display the element of organic farming, since we found that it was important advantage». He notes that the costs of organic farming is certainly higher, because as he says «you must be over the vineyard», but argues that compensated the final result. «The quality of the raw material is so good that most would not change anything with the biological», stresses, noting that he sees no substantial difference in the wine making process. According to the findings of the operation, the element of organic farming is an extremely powerful card for exports, particularly in markets like Germany and the Nordic countries where concern for the environment is more intense

Organic Vs Conventional products

Agriculture and the environment are closely linked concepts. Farmers are the first to have the benefit of their commitment to environmental protection in order to preserve natural resources which are directly dependent. Intensive farming is alleged to have caused the destruction of soil structure, the loss of biodiversity and degradation of food quality and the levels of undesirable substances.

That is why organic farming is an alternative way of farming than conventional farming, which uses less fertilizer and pesticides than conventional agriculture. In recent years even the food scandal to erupt one after another, more and more consumers prefer organic products that are healthier than conventional ones because they contain pesticides. As a biological or organic characterized those products are produced without using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and prosthetic materials. Organic farming following significant growth rates. The main reason for buying organic products seems to be the potential benefits to health and the environment.

Used in organic farming organic farming methods, ie methods without the use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or chemicals of any kind of synthetic hormones. Contrary to conventional farming methods used chemical treatment of individual diseases or pests of crops, which are chemical products that are composed in the laboratory. The consequence is environmental pollution and general flora and fauna, but particularly the emergence of serious chronic diseases in humans. Organic farming does not exploit the land in this way and contribute to rural development. Basis for the production of an appropriate selection for resistance to diseases, types of plant varieties.

As we informed the agronomist Blounas Evangelos, organic farming is a biological preparations, namely preparations from other plants that contain the natural substance that can eliminate the disease in question. It says Mr Blounas in organic soil covered with transparent PVC suitable material, which has the effect of increasing the temperature of the soil through the solar rays to destroy harmful to the soil and cultivating microorganisms. Contrary to conventional agriculture, soil decontamination is achieved by using chemical disinfectants, which are often dangerous to humans. Although expensive, the use of organic products is growing at an annual rate of 20% and this means that there are organic products in almost every area of food.

Ochymos organic fruit contains more flavonoids than the amount of juice produced by conventional fruit. What Americans say researchers Washington State University, following research conducted with support from the Organic Center. The juices were investigated came from organic and conventional lemons, limes, grapefruit, apple, tomato. Flavonoids are substances produced naturally only in plants and used for their defense.

The reason that makes these substances is so important antioxidant action. The important aspect of this research is that for the first time a calculation of bioavailable compounds (including flavonoids) and even he gave interesting results. By analyzing the levels of these substances in organic fruit juices and comparing them to conventional counterparts, it appeared that the organic juices contain between 80 and 1,000% higher amount of flavonoids. Most importantly, the result of the investigation was that the organic fruit superior in bioavailable compounds, that is directly usable by our bodies.

Not all organic fruit better. As we pointed out agronomist Lucia Tsaglos, check the following: Fruit with a thin rind is problematic. These fruits are very sensitive and easily penetrate to the pesticide. Additionally these fruits have higher levels of vitamins and minerals. Prefer the following organic fruits: apples, pears, grapes, peaches, strawberries and cherries. On the other hand, fruits that have thick enough skin protected from pesticides. Prefer the following conventional fruit: banana, pineapple, mango, kiwi.

Vegetables
The vegetables had always been a very important place in the culinary traditions and is, after the whole grains, the richest source of minerals and vitamins. Water containing has characteristics different from spring water, which make it suitable to replace water supplies lost by the body through the various excretory functions such as urination, breathing, sweating ... It is also rich in fiber and apeptes a Chlorophyll, which facilitate the functionality of the intestine. All vegetables have strong alkaline action prevents the accumulation of acidic substances.


Organic fruits and vegetables are better for the heart of what species are cultivated in a conventional manner. This results from surveys of American scientists, who compared the conventional organic fruits and vegetables. The research of experts from the University of California, lasted 10 years. The researchers compared organic tomatoes with those produced by traditional methods and concluded that organic have almost twice the antioxidants known as flavonoids-the-which helps to prevent high blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of heart disease and stroke. Indeed according to Alison Mitchell, a chemical derived from the University of California, flavonoids may also help strengthen the body against certain cancers and dementia. Professor Mitchell and her team concluded that organic tomatoes contain flavonoids and kouersetini kamferoli averaged rates 79 and 97% respectively.

Until now it was difficult for experts to make comparisons between fruit and vegetables produced organically and those produced conventionally, because of difficulties arising in comparing the quality of soil, irrigation practices and how to manage the harvest of produced. In recent research, however, the researchers used data obtained through long-term study of specific cultural techniques. So, unable to compare the resulting products were produced conventionally or organically. The same stress that the different levels recorded in the flavonoids in tomatoes due to the absence of pesticides from crop species.

In plants, flavonoids are a kind of defense mechanism that is activated when there is a lack of nutrients, for example, the lack of nitrogen in the soil. When we strengthen farmers plants with many nutrients, while depriving them the opportunity to develop flavonoids. The researchers pointed out that even low levels of flavonoids in conventional tomatoes caused by excessive use of fertilizers. We note that flavonoids are antioxidants contained in plant foods and enhancing their defensive action against fungi, insects and other pests. When conventionally grown some vegetables absorb more chemicals than others. Prefer the following organic vegetables: potatoes, corn, celery and peppers.

Not all organic fruit better. As we pointed out agronomist Lucia Tsaglos should check the following: Fruit with a thin rind is problematic. These fruits are very sensitive and easily penetrate to the pesticide. Additionally these fruits have higher levels of vitamins and minerals. Prefer the following organic fruits: apples, pears, grapes, peaches, strawberries and cherries. On the other hand, fruits that have thick enough skin protected from pesticides. Prefer the following conventional fruit: banana, pineapple, mango, kiwi.

Cereals
(Wheat, oats, barley, rye, maize, etc.)

There is not much difference with conventional and organic cereals, because the cultivation of organic grain is not as developed. Wheat is grown organically in Greece is mainly durum wheat pasta as well as for production of organic wheat bread. Organic cultivation of wheat began in 1995 and represents 1.4% of total wheat production. The organic wheat is grown in a wide range of soils from sandy to clay. The wheat crop is low nutrient requirements. The lubrication for all cultures ameipsesporas. In organic cultivation of wheat there are no major problems. This is mainly due to the high density of sowing, which is good competition against weeds. As for the various diseases caused by insects and fungi are treated with ameipsespora, which interrupted the life cycle of the pathogen. In organic agriculture is to replace the cultivation of wheat with one another which is not a host for the pathogen.

Grapes-Wine
Little is known about the safety of organic wine compared with the conventional. But some critics say are organic wines taste better. The correct term is «organic wine», but «wine from organically grown grapes»: The «organic wines» produced from vines grown in accordance with the standards of regulation on organic farming (EEC) 2092/91, but regulation does not extend to the whole process of winemaking. As to 'yes, I would recommend you prefer organic wine because the grapes are affected by several pesticides.

• Even organic wine contains sulfites, even in smaller quantities. They exist in every wine, as a result of the fermentation process but added additional quantities of production, to inhibit the growth of bacteria. The sulfites are the main «guilty» on allergic reactions some people have towards the wine (eg skin rashes), and disorders such as headaches. If you are, then, allergic, consult your doctor whether you can consume wine, even if it comes from organic grapes. If that wine again just cause you headaches, prefer the conventional red wines and organic wines, which usually contain less sulfites.




Pulses
(lentils, beans, chickpeas, rice)
The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the cultivation of beans conventional agriculture is little or no charge and no substantial product. Therefore organic than conventional pulses are significant differences in Greece, and cereals. After all legumes are among the most nutritious foods available. They are very good sources of protein and some of them can replace meat in our diet. The conventional food industry has the potential to make deworming with chemical insecticides, resulting in maintenance times compared with the biological be quite higher. For organic pulses and cereals standardized vacuum or controlled atmosphere (various inert gases) the holding time can be themselves.

Regardless of the type, legumes are rich in protein, potassium, folic acid, iron and magnesium. It is low in fat. Instead, they have high content fytochimikes substances which may help prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. In conventional, it is possible to make metasyllektika waxing, with products containing fungicides. This may maintain in relation to biological longer. Finally, to note that the new hybrids and sprays with specialized plant protection products, conventional starting to outweigh the holding time. Nevertheless, it remains the superiority of organic products in aroma, flavor and nutrients per unit weight.

Anthropogenic climate change

Warnings about potential costs of anthropogenic climate change, calls for immediate action in a collective and personal level, but some promising signals the completion of the International Conference Athens Summit 2009, entitled «The Road to Copenhagen: Managing Climate Change and Energy Security in Southeastern Europe and beyond ». Representatives of political and economic life of the country, executives of multinational companies and some 500 scientists from Greece and abroad attended the colloquium organized by the Institute for Climate and Energy Security in cooperation with the Financial Times Global Events on 12 and 13 May in Hotel Athens Hilton. In view of the climate conference, which will take place in Copenhagen in December to replace the Kyoto Protocol, the focus of debate was the urgent need for cooperation between the governments of the world in the name of sustainable development and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

One promising alternative that could bring North Africa at the forefront of the battle against climate change and to end the energy insecurity of Europe presented by Saif al Islam al Gaddafi, son of Libyan president and chairman of the International Institute Philanthropy and Development Gaddafi. Facing the deserts as unique sources, the proposal is based on the use of strong winds and high temperatures prevailing in mostly uninhabited areas. The photovoltaic installation in just 0.3% of the total area of deserts of North Africa and the Middle East could, under this scenario, to provide cheap and clean electricity for the needs of the surrounding areas and the entire European Union.

Like all Mediterranean countries and Southeast Europe, Greece is expected to face serious problems because of climate change. Water scarcity, desertification of large areas, increasing sea level, reduced agricultural production, extreme weather events and mass extinction are some of the possible consequences, as revealed by the speech of Christos Zerefos, Professor of Meteorology at the University Athens. «We have passed the alert level 6», said President of the Institute for Climate and Energy Security, Andreas Papandreou, paralleling climate change on the pandemic threat and urging political and business leaders to mobilize for the future of the planet. Surprisingly, the issue of climate change are most concerned about public opinion in the countries of northern Europe, which are estimated to suffer less from it.
Although, thanks to sunshine, wind and sea, our country has inexhaustible natural resources for Renewable Energy, we remain the world's second list of the most oil dependent states, with 63%, according to Leonidas Drolla the Center for Global Energy Studies. The untapped energy potential of our country sought to highlight the adviser to the Danish Embassy in Athens, Jesper Ferslov Andersen: «I can not bring to mind another European country with the advantage», he said, arguing that wind turbines and solar installations collectors will not only harm tourism in our country, but it will strengthen. As noted repeatedly, the slow and painful increase the penetration of RES in Greece due to the lack of a clear energy strategy.

By the end of the century calculated that the planet will warm by one to five degrees, recalled Dimitri Zenghelis the LSE. The difference may seem small, but «the last time the Earth was five degrees warmer, the poles were covered with forests and inhabited by crocodiles», he added.

Stressing the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding between countries, stressed that the same market forces can contribute significantly to solving the problem, it is sufficient to provide the right incentives to act. An important role will be played by trade in emissions, from the moment you put in place a transparent and international mechanism for its regulation.

The delays in concluding a common binding agreement to combat climate change between the governments of the world due largely to the downturn until now the U.S. and the refusal of developing countries to contribute to the whole project without the active participation of the largest polluter in the world .

Obama The government has proposed reducing emissions by 16-17% by 2020, while promoting international cooperation with China on energy issues. However, the legislation would not have been passed by Congress until December, when, according to Joanna Lewis of the University of Georgetown, there is still a «gap» in the range of 25% in Europe and North America aims to reduce emissions.

Perhaps one of the most encouraging signs of the conference was to point out that we already have the technologies needed to stabilize atmospheric levels of CO2.

However, as the Professor Pantelis Kapros of NTUA, the wide adoption of innovative «green» technology requires a transition phase in industrial production process could be accelerated by incentives from the state. However, the president of the Greek Association of electricity from Renewable Energy Sources, George Peristeris stressed that we should use the existing technological means, instead of «waiting to mature commercial innovations, such as wave energy or capture and store carbon».

The financial crisis is a unique opportunity for green growth, supported by Professor Geoffrey Heal of Columbia Buisiness School, as prices of clean technologies are reduced while there is the possibility of using the unemployed labor force. To stabilize carbon dioxide levels, sufficient to invest 1% to 2% of global per capita income in energy-saving strategies and clean technology, say «much less than it cost us the crisis», he added.

Fossil fuels are cheaper than the ANA, supported by Arnulf Jaeger-Waldau of the Institute for Energy of the European Commission. However, existing disparities in the prices of both forms of energy due to subsidies, touching the 200 billion dollars worldwide for fossil fuels.

Willing to move towards sustainable development made by the representatives of the business community. They, however, economic incentives from the governments of the EU, the liberalization of energy market and the harmonization of legislation of Member States with Community law.


Just before bringing the twelfth hour, created the ground for social commitment to a vision of universal, non-partisan and universal. The solutions are painful: They involve conflicts of interest, cost burden for companies in industries sanctions, vigorously against powerful economic power systems, structural revisions policies. But the problem is more painful: always brings worse quality of life for more and more ».