The history of our Planet has been characterized by many changes in climate conditions, however the extent and the rate of current climate change exceed all previous recorded natural variations. It has been proved that most of the observed recent warming is accentuated by human activities, in particular by emissions of greenhouses gases from burning fossil fuels and massive deforestation.

To prevent severe damage to the environment and the society, it is a must to lead worldwide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To achieve stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere, the Kyoto protocol sets a target of 5% emission reduction by the 2008-2012 period. To reach this goal global strategies must be implemented by governments in order to increase the use of renewable energy and to improve energy efficiency worldwide, to provide access to sustainable energy for people in developing countries, to reduce deforestation and to support research on new forms of cleaner energy.

But we cannot only rely on global policies: the role of NGO’s in Europe is to promote active participation of citizens and young people to the efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions, by issuing simple guidelines which can be used every day, such as improving energy saving and efficiency at home, at work and at school.

Our behaviour towards environment affects our way of living. If international policies and worldwide measures are necessary to protect the Planet and its natural resources, local actions and personal commitment can also make the difference, when the future of our Planet is at stake.