The Young European Dream
Silvia Pelz
Silvia Pelz
PSE Press Officer
Green the economy, unplug, don't tax what we earn - tax what we burn, make saving energy pay off, take the bike and global climate justice - these were some of the thoughts of the Young Europeans on climate change. 100 young people from 24 countries came to the European Parliament in Brussels for the second Young European Dream Conference on the 28.-29. January 2009. The theme of the conference organized by the Socialist group was globalization and climate change.
The Young Europeans, leading socialist politicians, NGO and trade union representatives debated a wide range of issues from finding the right balance between economy and environment, the impact of the financial crisis, the upcoming Copenhagen Conference to what all of us can do to fight climate change. Everybody agreed from the start that climate change is the biggest threat facing the world today. During the debate it emerged that the fight against climate change brings with it many opportunities, too. What it really comes down to is ensuring sustainable development and fair globalization. Smart green growth can create jobs, decrease energy dependence, boost innovation and fight global warming, was one of the outcomes of the debate.
The young Europeans were a vocal lot and challenged the participating politicians Commissioner Margot Wallström, Socialist group leader Martin Schulz, Chairman of the EP Committee on Climate Change Guido Sacconi, Vice-President of the Socialist group Linda McAvan and MEPs Giovanna Corda and Dorette Corbey. For us, the press team, the conference entailed a new challenge: live-streaming the event and live-blogging it on our homepage. Live-blogging allows people to send in questions and share their thoughts - and we had a lively debate going on. Opening up the political sphere to the wider public is important in terms of allowing two-channel communication - but it is also fun. No doubt, we all enjoyed seeing politicians listening to the dreams and visions of young Europeans.
The Young Europeans, leading socialist politicians, NGO and trade union representatives debated a wide range of issues from finding the right balance between economy and environment, the impact of the financial crisis, the upcoming Copenhagen Conference to what all of us can do to fight climate change. Everybody agreed from the start that climate change is the biggest threat facing the world today. During the debate it emerged that the fight against climate change brings with it many opportunities, too. What it really comes down to is ensuring sustainable development and fair globalization. Smart green growth can create jobs, decrease energy dependence, boost innovation and fight global warming, was one of the outcomes of the debate.
The young Europeans were a vocal lot and challenged the participating politicians Commissioner Margot Wallström, Socialist group leader Martin Schulz, Chairman of the EP Committee on Climate Change Guido Sacconi, Vice-President of the Socialist group Linda McAvan and MEPs Giovanna Corda and Dorette Corbey. For us, the press team, the conference entailed a new challenge: live-streaming the event and live-blogging it on our homepage. Live-blogging allows people to send in questions and share their thoughts - and we had a lively debate going on. Opening up the political sphere to the wider public is important in terms of allowing two-channel communication - but it is also fun. No doubt, we all enjoyed seeing politicians listening to the dreams and visions of young Europeans.
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