Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Tina Birbili said that the government will take an initiative against the consequences of climate change in Eastern Europe after the Copenhagen Summit, during her address on Tuesday to the 20th annual American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce's (AHCC) "The Greek Economy Conference" at a central Athens Hotel. 
 
Birbili noted that the Mediterranean region and Greece will be affected the most by the consequences of climate change, adding that the exit from the economic crisis will be accomplished only through green growth. 
 
The Minister outlined the targets of the government's energy policy which, she said, include backing of viable economic development confronting climate change, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 65 percent, exploitation of existing lignite reserves but with optimum practices and the least possible carbon dioxide emissions, new long-term energy planning with the emphasis on the decentralisation of energy production, and raising public awareness on the consequences of their choices to the environment. 
 
"We are working for the gradual restructure of the energy sector with correct management of the existing conventional fuels and the integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES)," stressed Birbili. 
 
"We are starting off with a delay, but we can cover the lost ground because we have a substantial RES and manpower potential. In a few weeks the draft bill on Renewable Energy Sources will be ready," she added. 
 
Birbili expressed hope that a legally binding treaty on reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be achieved at this month's UN international conference on climate change in Copenhagen. 
 
 
 
Caption: Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Tina Birbili addresses the 20th annual American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday 1 December 2009. ANA-MPA/PANTELIS SAITAS