Environment Minister John Shimmin MHK is currently representing the Isle of Man at the United Nations COP15 Conference in Copenhagen.
The Minister is underlining the Island’s commitment to engaging with the international community, in addition to highlighting its recent success in reducing CO2 emissions.
The event in Denmark will also provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the Isle of Man as a location for clean-technology industries.
Minister Shimmin is representing the Island at COP15 with Martin Hall, chairman of the Government’s Energy and Climate Change Officer Group(ECCOG).
The world's media is currently focused on Copenhagen as political leaders gather to discuss ways of mitigating the threats posed by climate change.
Minister Shimmin said, "I see this as an important opportunity for the Isle of Man to become part of the solution to the global challenges ahead.
"We have much to be proud of in terms of the actions taken to cut our emissions. We have achieved significant progress while at the same time growing the economy for the benefit of our people.
"I believe the Island can show leadership to other small countries, so we need to ensure that our voice is heard at international events such as COP15."
"We can demonstrate that the Isle of Man already has a thriving clean-tech sector that forms part of arguably the most diversified economic base in the world for its size.
"‘Whilst in Denmark, we will seek to hold discussions with a range of organisations in the hope of stimulating further business opportunities."
The Isle of Man has contributed an article in the official conference publication: ‘The Isle of Man: Pioneering and Innovative’ outlines the Island’s historical ingenuity and recent achievements in reducing its greenhouse emissions.
Martin Hall said, "A lot of the actions taken to date not only reduce CO2 emissions, they also save us all money. For example, the Department of Local Government and the Environment project to provide cavity wall insulation and additional loft insulation to more than 4,000 properties in the public sector has reduced emissions by 30% and also saved an average of ?300 a year for each house.
"Overall that’s a total saving of ?1.2 million which is a fantastic return on investment."
One of the more headline-grabbing ways in which the Island's pioneering spirit has been shown was in June this year, when the Island hosted the world’s first clean emissions Motorcycle Grand Prix.
The Federation Internationale de Motocyclism (FIM) accredited TTXGP attracted worldwide media attention and showcased the Isle of Man as a leading advocate of eco-technologies.
It also led to the Institute of Engineering and Technology presenting the Island with a Special Recognition Award for the Support of Emerging Technologies.
Minister Shimmin said, "The Island continues to make good progress and it is important that we communicate our success stories at events such as COP15.
"Our attendance will enable us to meet key players, remain informed of the international debate on climate change, and confirm our commitment to reducing CO2 emissions.
"It will also provide a platform to promote the Isle of Man as a centre of excellence for companies involved in clean-tech industries such as renewable energy, carbon trading and biofuels.
"We will highlight our world class telecoms infrastructure, sound financial regulation and supportive Government in the hope of attracting more high quality businesses to the Island."
