By Martin Banks - 7th September 2011
We cannot continue like this
Janez Potocnik
EU commissioner Janez Potocnik says that economic growth in the future should be based on "greater respect" for the environment.
Speaking on Wednesday, he said the world had increased its fossil fuel use 16 times and water use nine times whereas the population grew only four times.
He warned, "We cannot continue like this. Our growth has to be based on the use of fewer resources and greater respect for the environment: We need to produce more with less."
Potocnik, the environment commissioner, was opening an exhibition in Brussels designed to showcase environmental projects from around Europe.
Called the 'train of ideas', the exhibition, near the city's Central station, runs until 13 September and is free of charge and guided tours are available.
The interactive exhibition, open from 10am to 7pm daily, is also due to visit Antwerp from 21 to 25 September.
Brussels is one of 18 cities the exhibition is visiting. The initiative was launched by the city of Hamburg, designated European Green Capital.
Potocnik said he wants Europe to become a "model" of sustainable development, adding, "If we want to prosper we must learn to cherish what our urban environment gives us: the resources that underpin our growth and our quality of life.
"I am certain that the Brussels exhibition will reach out to hundreds of people and encourage visitors to learn from the good practices the city has to offer.
"This is the concept of resource efficiency and it is one of my priorities - we need to integrate this concept into our daily lives.
"The goal is to ensure that jobs, growth and the environment are developed together, not in isolation.
"Resource efficiency also means making better use of our natural capital. Without biodiversity, clean air, water and soil, the economic growth and jobs we depend on are simply not sustainable."
He said the European "Green Capital Award" is a "powerful instrument that can help convince local authorities by real life examples that developing greener cities is both needed and very much possible".
He added, "It is also recognition of the hard work to improve the environment, the economy and the quality of life in cities.
"We believe that those who are taking the lead, who are showing others the way forward, deserve to be rewarded.
"Indeed, the European Green Capital Award is a celebration of a city's holistic vision for better living. The prize is the reward itself."
