HELSINKI: EXPERT ADDRESSES CALIFORNIA,S AGGRESSIVE

UNCLAS HELSINKI 000750 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE/IIP FOR CYNTHIA LACOVEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SENV SOCI ENRG TRGY KPAO KGHG FI SUBJECT: HELSINKI: EXPERT ADDRESSES CALIFORNIA,S AGGRESSIVE EFFORTS TO CONFRONT CLIMATE CHANGE REF: HELSINKI 00131 ¶1. (U) Using California as a model for initiatives at the state level, former Executive Director of the California Air Resources Board, Catherine Witherspoon, presented U.S. strategies for combating climate change to a wide cross section of Finnish society, including government officials, academics, journalists, business contacts and interested citizens. During a two and a half day visit to Helsinki September 10-12, Witherspoon offered significant insights into the environmental policy creation process in the U.S. and the importance of technology in countering climate change. Witherspoon effectively engaged leading Finnish politicians and business leaders in discussions about efforts to develop aggressive climate policies and fund technological breakthroughs in the U.S. Audiences asked Witherspoon fair, though often direct, questions about U.S. efforts and the future of U.S. climate policy. Witherspoon's approach, which was upbeat, yet realistic, resonated with Finnish audiences. Additionally, her visit assisted Embassy efforts to reach out to contacts from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who felt excluded from the High Level Dialogue last year. ¶2. (U) Witherspoon met numerous officials from Finnish Government Ministries, including Minister of the Environment Paula Lehtomaki, members of Parliament, business leaders, and representatives from NGOs. Speaking to an audience of over 200 people, Witherspoon addressed the topic of "the challenges of climate change strategies in California" during a Climate Change Seminar sponsored by Embassy Helsinki, NGO Environment Leaders' Union and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. Witherspoon also gave presentations at two key think tanks: the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (UPI) and the Finnish Business and Policy Forum (EVA). She was also interviewed by numerous media outlets. With over two decades of experience in air quality management and climate issues, Witherspoon is closely connected to California,s innovative role in driving regional and national environmental and climate change policy. ¶3. (U) Building upon the success of the U.S.-EU High Level Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development (HLD) in Helsinki last October, Embassy Helsinki has held numerous activities to raise the profile of positive U.S. actions to address climate change. This momentum provided the foundation for Witherspoon's successful visit to Helsinki. WARE