The current economic crisis will be an opportunity to get commitment on controlling climate change by both increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy cost, said participants of the 39th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Experts participated a session of the forum on Wednesday called for clear timetables and a binding agreement to join developed and developing countries in achieving common goals, as the clock is running for governments to deliver a comprehensive action plan at the United Nations Climate Change conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the end of 2009.

"We must recognize even though the economy is in the ditch, addressing climate change will bring the world together and restore confidence," said James E. Rogers, chairman, president and chief executive officer of US Duke Energy Corporation.

Steve Howard, chief executive officer of the Climate Group, pointed out that "Most governments do not yet have mainstream policy-making plans on climate change and the situation is critical."

He called on businesses, civil societies and governments to work together to share challenges in climate change for sustainable solutions.

Echoing Howard's words, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism of South Africa, urged citizens to put more pressure on their politicians to take action on climate change measures.

Howard Kunreuther, Cecilia Yen Koo Professor of Decision Sciences and Public Policy, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania of the United States urged emphasis on adaptation and the building of better structures, commenting that both adaptation and energy efficiency will require upfront investments.

Likewise, Peter L. Corsell, chief executive officer of US Grid Point stressed the need for a holistic view of energy and economic systems and suggested emphasizing sustainable energy instead of alternative energy.

The view that fuel is cheap and pollution is free, Corsell said, should be changed to the view that fuel is expensive and pollution should not be free.

He added the way utilities make money and the way consumers interact with utilities must be changed. "The most profitable utility should use the smallest amount of energy in the cleanest way."

On the same occasion, the panelists also pinned hopes on US President Barack Obama's administration to carry through on its promises to take a lead on climate change.

The five-day Davos forum, which opened in Swiss mountain resort Davos on Wednesday, is focusing on the current economic crisis and other global challenges including climate change, food and water security.

(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2009)