"Green Growth Is the Only Growth We Can Afford," Says Hedegaard

In interviews with the Climate Community, two prominent figures in the climate change debate, Connie Hedegaard and Tim Flannery, sent messages to the world leaders gathered in Davos.

Connie Hedegaard, Denmark's Minister for Climate and Energy, said: "We, the politicians of the world, have a responsibility to reach a truly global climate change agreement in Copenhagen in December 2009. But it is the business society that can deliver the tools to turn our vision into reality. Businesses can provide the clever solutions to make it possible to live in a both modern and sustainable society."

"Luckily," she added, "this is the path that ensures jobs, growth and the answers on how to use the scarce energy resources in a more intelligent manner. That is why green growth is the only growth we can afford."

Professor Tim Flannery, Chairman of the Copenhagen Climate Council and an internationally acclaimed scientist and author, said: "Immediate action to address climate change is imperative. Not action that will take effect in the time of our grandchildren, but measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions now."

He added: "The global response to our current economic crisis demonstrates that governments can supply decisive and reasoned solutions. Our response to the climate crisis will define our generation. The message we deliver to policymakers on the road to Copenhagen in 2009 must be unequivocal: it is only through bold, unwavering leadership that this challenge can be met."