Germany and Virginia Sign Climate Agreement in Washington
Press Release
German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine met in Washington today, April 28, to sign a Joint Declaration on climate and energy.
The agreement is designed to further develop the existing levels of cooperation between Germany and Virginia, by supporting “the exchange and application of mutually beneficial sustainable energy and climate change policies”.Minister Gabriel was in Washington for the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, hosted by the Obama Administration on April 27 and 28.
Minister Gabriel called the agreement with Virginia an “excellent endorsement” of the Major Economies Forum but added that despite positive progress, this is no time for complacency and that sustained efforts must be made to continue increasing cooperation on a regional level.
Governor Kaine made particular mention of the development and strength of Germany’s solar energy industry, and said he hoped that dialogue and working together with Germany would help increase the amount of renewable energies in Virginia.
“We in Virginia have a lot to learn from Germany,” Governor Tim Kaine said at the signing ceremony at the German Ambassador’s Residence. He added: “This memorandum is a recognition by the German people and Virginia's recognition that climate change is real and that the fate of our planet dictates we take steps to address these issues.”
Commenting on the Major Economies Forum, Gabriel called the initiative by the Obama Administration “vitally important” and said he felt very positive about a positive outcome at the UN climate conference in Copenhagen in December.
