RTCC - Mission statement

Responding to Climate Change (RTCC) is now in its eighth edition. In this time we've seen debate on issues around climate change develop outside of all expectation. The science is no longer ridiculed, and people of all backgrounds are taking steps to mitigate their own impacts.

Increasingly concern for the environment is seen as a marketable commodity, not only for a company's broader charitable aims, but also to satisfy their consumers on the shop floor. This commercial aspect is late coming albeit welcome, but also slightly unnerving. How much of this is just a knee jerk response to perceived public opinion? Is 2008 going to be the year when climate change became less trendy? To stop this happening, and instead keep the momentum going, governments need to take a stronger line both at these Conferences of the Parties and when they are back home.

This year in RTCC we continue to explore how, back home, companies, organisations and governments are reacting in terms of current development, possible solutions and actual action. These are divided into our standard three key areas: society, development and research and also Asia.

I would like to thank all everyone who has contributed in every way. It is positive that people of all industries and associations are willing to share information, viewpoints and ideas, and it is key to moving forward. We hope you find it of use and interest.

RTCC is accredited as an official observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process. We are a non governmental organisation showcasing policies, innovations, technologies, products and services related to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to the impacts of climate change. This guide and its website (www.rtcc.org) are important components of a global exchange of knowledge about how best to respond to global climate and developmental challenges.

Francesca Broadbent, Editor (RTCC)