Copenhagen is a qualified success, according to the Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association (WA SEA).

‘The conference here in Copenhagen has actually made progress toward a foundation of a climate treaty that will limit global warming from dangerous climate change to below two degrees, albeit that deal has yet to be legally binding,' says Prof Ray Wills, Chief Executive of WA SEA.

‘What is good for the community is good for business, and fixing climate change and acting on greenhouse gas emissions fuelling the increasing pace of global warming is essential for the health of the planet, the welfare of the community, and so in the best interests of the world economy', says Prof Wills.

‘The businesses that attended as observers at Copenhagen are ready for action, want market certainty to drive investment are anxious for firm decisions by Governments and needed commitments to real action that creates change in the way the planet does business and delivers more sustainable business practices.'

‘And also world action on climate change is bigger than just Copenhagen and commitments made by nations in the UN lead Conference of Parties. There are also other agreements from Bali that hold, and the workings of sub-national governments and their agencies, including the united action of reportedly almost 3500 cities and local governments.'

‘Further, private dollars are already being invested now with large amounts being invested by business,' says Prof Wills.

‘And ambitions independent of climate change are causing countries working on their energy security to make decisions about energy generation that is also emissions free.'

'Strong and immediate action is required to stop the growth in world emissions and rapidly start the process of reducing emissions to a scientifically established level. Science tells us that we must quickly bring atmospheric CO2 concentrations back below 350 ppm if we are to avoid dangerous climate change.'

From Copenhagen

Editors notes:
1. Prof Wills was one of 50 CEOs and leaders to speak at the exclusive global business forum CLIMATE SPARK (www.climatespark.com) during COP15.
2. WA SEA members attending COP15 include the Hon. Cheryl Edwardes, Special Counsel with Minter Ellison Lawyers; Prof Paul Hardisty, Executive Director, EcoNomics, Sustainability with WorleyParsons; Vanessa Rauland of Curtin University's Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute; Peter Tickler, Principal of Greensense; Ken McAlpine, Policy and Government Relations Manager Asia-Pacific Region, Vestas Wind Systems; and Prof Ray Wills, Chief Executive of WA SEA.
3. Emissions on Prof Wills' flight to Copenhagen are carbon neutral, with the purchase of carbon offsets.
4. The Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) is a chamber of enterprises has a growing membership of 260 industry members from a diversity of businesses, and the largest state-based industry body of its kind in Australia. www.wasea.com.au.
5. WA SEA bringing you the Energising WA Conference 22-24 March 2010, Perth.