Earth Day Network Presents Climate Leadership Gala, Top Green Economy Leaders Recognized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Bryan Buchanan (202) 518-0044 x 14
March  27, 2012
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Earth Day Network Presents Climate Leadership Gala,
Top Green Economy Leaders Recognized

WASHINGTON – Earth Day Network held the third annual Climate Leadership Gala today, bringing together approximately 400 green economy leaders in business, government and the NGO community to celebrate achievements and discuss how to remove impediments and forge a path to a post-carbon future.

“The transition to a green economy will be one of the most significant events in modern history, and the Climate Leadership Gala has become a premier event for green economy leaders,” said Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network. “Earth Day Network is proud to support the work of these entrepreneurs, innovators and policymakers not just at the Gala but through our year-round programs.”

At the event, Earth Day Network honored Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Climate Action, with the prestigious 2012 Women and the Green Economy (WAGE®) Leadership Award. WAGE is a program of Earth Day Network that engages women in business, government and NGOs to promote the green economy, secure educational and job training opportunities for women, and channel green investment to benefit women.

“I am honored to have been chosen for this award,” said Hedegaard. “It’s vital that we encourage women’s full participation in the planning and leadership of the new green economy, one of the most important social, economic and environmental transformations of our time. We need to continue to support women to be innovative, creative and resilient in a climate-constrained world as we strive to ensure equitable solutions to the climate problem.”

The event attracted participants from all over the world, and the WAGE Leadership Award wasn’t the only prestigious environmental award on display. Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, director of sustainability at Masdar (United Arab Emirates) and director of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, delivered a presentation on the Prize. The Zayed Future Energy Prize is given annually to innovators in the field of renewable energy.

“I’m happy to be able to demonstrate the UAE’s commitment towards sustainable development by highlighting the Zayed Future Energy Prize today,” said Al-Hosany. “This Prize celebrates and rewards achievements in renewable energy and sustainably that reflect impact, innovation, long-term vision, and leadership. It was incepted to honor the legacy of our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and because the UAE recognizes that ensuring a cleaner, sustainable future is a challenge we must all face together.”

Other speakers at the Gala included included New York Times columnist and best-selling author Thomas Friedman, entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Steyer, and Rep. Ed Markey. The Gala was hosted by actor Ed Begley, Jr., with music provided by Jackson Browne.

The event was presented in partnership with the Carbon War Room and the American Council on Renewable Energy as the centerpiece of the Creating Climate Wealth Summit. It was sponsored by the Zayed Future Energy Prize, BP Alternative Energy, Bosch, Lockheed Martin, International District Energy Association and Tremont Electric.

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Earth Day Network mobilizes over one billion people in 192 countries through year-round advocacy, education, public policy and consumer campaigns to protect the environment. archiveedn.wpengine.com