Bid to build low-carbon economy

In a bid to accelerate efforts to establish a sustainable low-carbon economy, the Prince of Wales will address a climate change summit in Brussels.

Jerzy Buzek, president of the European Parliament, has collaborated with the Prince's Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership (CPSL) to organise the event.

He invited Charles to speak at the meeting, considering his work to promote environmental awareness. The summit aims to boost efforts to reduce carbon footprint.

The Low Carbon Prosperity Summit will also be attended by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy.

Mr Buzek said: "Climate change affects us all, we all need to fight it. I welcome this event as an opportunity allowing parliamentarians to have an in-depth discussion with business leaders. We need to unite our efforts, because our common future is at stake."

The summit hopes to "build political momentum for a low-carbon Europe by focusing on the business case for carbon reduction and the economic mechanisms needed to improve the rate of progress".

During his visit to Brussels, Charles will discuss environmental issues with members of President Barroso's commission team, including Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard, Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik, Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki, Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva.

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