Climate partnership and promise in focus at the “German Hour” during COP17

Germany leads the pack when it comes to the environment. With renewables making up 20 percent of the energy supply, abundant scientific bodies racing at the cutting edge of technology, and a history of international environmental commitment, no nation is better positioned to offer the world audience gathered for COP17 a daily schedule of climate conscious programming.

Enlarge image Coined the “German Hour”, it was a daily programme from November 28 to December 9 in the Climate Change Response (CCR) Expo in Durban. Germany: Land of Ideas” offered a wide variety of panel discussions drawing attention to the most pressing topics in climate change. The eleven different panel discussions took place from 15:00-17:00 and raised the debate about specific responses to climate change, whether from academia, national governments, NGOs or the general public.

In particular, the panel and interactive discussions focussed on showcasing Germany’s partnership with conference host South Africa, the Southern African region and the EU.

The programme featured top names in international, South African and German political, business, civil society and scientific communities who addressed, among other themes: South Africa's energy efficiency potential; Germany’s climate and energy foreign policy; German - South African cooperation in the field of climate protection; skills development as contributing to climate protection in South Africa; the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and other new offset mechanisms, and German support for SADC in the positioning for climate change.

Enthusiastically visitors to the CCR Expo attended and participated in what was a series of lively and informative debates.
“Germany: Land of Ideas” was located in the CCR Expo and open to the public daily for the duration of the Conference. In addition to the “German Hour”, the stand featured films and other activities throughout the COP17 conference.
For more detailed information about each presentation, please download

The German Hour during COP17

Unlocking South Africa's Energy Efficiency Potentials: “German Hour” kicks off with intense debate

German Hour

The COP17 conference has begun in Durban and along with it, "Germany: Land of Ideas" opened at the Climate Change Response Expo. Following a visit by South African President Jacob Zuma, the first "German Hour" panel discussion kicked off, examining the vast energy efficiency potential that the South African economy holds. 

German Hour kicks off at COP17