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| "I am dedicated to ensuring that in the future we are no longer seen as part of the problem, but as part of the solution to the energy policy and social challenges we are facing today." |
| Dr. Wulf H. Bernotat |
From Part of the Problem
to Part of the Solution
Panel Discussion on Publication of 2007 CR Report
Corporate Responsibility is not a fashionable accessory for E.ON, it is an integral part of our business with the objective of creating long-term benefits – for the company and society.
Under the heading "Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution? – Facing the challenges of the energy sector" E.ON presented its fourth Corporate Responsibility Report at a dialog event in its Berlin office on May 8, 2008. Participants invited by E.ON and joining Dr. Wulf H. Bernotat in the panel discussion included Dr. Ottmar Edenhofer, Deputy Director and Chief Economist of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and Josef Lersch-Mense, Undersecretary for Employment and Social Affairs in the Ministry of Employment, as well as Roland Hipp, Campaign CEO of the environmental organization Greenpeace.
Under the heading "Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution? – Facing the challenges of the energy sector" E.ON presented its fourth Corporate Responsibility Report at a dialog event in its Berlin office on May 8, 2008. Participants invited by E.ON and joining Dr. Wulf H. Bernotat in the panel discussion included Dr. Ottmar Edenhofer, Deputy Director and Chief Economist of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and Josef Lersch-Mense, Undersecretary for Employment and Social Affairs in the Ministry of Employment, as well as Roland Hipp, Campaign CEO of the environmental organization Greenpeace.
The discussion was open and controversial, and quickly addressed the current issues in energy policy and its underlying conditions. One of the major issues of the debate in addition to the future energy mix and the pros and cons of different energy sources was the demand to implement a global CO2 market with the involvement of the USA. Only if that was the case would there be "prices, which tell the truth", explained economist and climate researcher Ottmar Edenhofer. He added that parties from climate protection and the energy sector were going to have to cooperate more closely.
All participants in the debate agreed that they wanted to continue discussing the complex underlying conditions and issues involved. Ottmar Edenhofer passionately advocated "real debate about the different scenarios and proposed solutions to be able to map the different points of view represented by the manufacturing sector, the energy industry and climate protection." Greenpeace head Roland Hipp concluded that further meetings were desired by his organization and he particularly looked forward to further constructive debate with Dr. Wulf H. Bernotat. The E.ON CEO reaffirmed his conviction to such an exchange as the challenges at hand could only be mastered in a joint effort. From the political arena Franz-Josef Lersch-Mense supported "a long-term, moderated dialog."
All participants in the debate agreed that they wanted to continue discussing the complex underlying conditions and issues involved. Ottmar Edenhofer passionately advocated "real debate about the different scenarios and proposed solutions to be able to map the different points of view represented by the manufacturing sector, the energy industry and climate protection." Greenpeace head Roland Hipp concluded that further meetings were desired by his organization and he particularly looked forward to further constructive debate with Dr. Wulf H. Bernotat. The E.ON CEO reaffirmed his conviction to such an exchange as the challenges at hand could only be mastered in a joint effort. From the political arena Franz-Josef Lersch-Mense supported "a long-term, moderated dialog."