They may not make the headlines very often, but the EU-funded projects EWEA is involved in are key to driving the industry forward.

Frequently involving a wide range of experts and years of work, EWEA projects carry out important studies and research into areas of wind energy that are vital for the functioning of a future power system based on renewables.

More than 50 percent of 31,000 people surveyed worldwide say they would pay more for products made with clean energy. In addition, 90 percent want more renewable energy and 79 percent have a more positive perception of brands produced using wind energy.

The poll, conducted in May 2011 by TNS Gallup and commissioned by wind turbine manufacturer Vestas, points to the importance ordinary people place on finding solutions to climate change – a full “53 percent of Chinese consumers rank climate change as the world’s greatest single challenge”, according to the poll.

45% by 2030 is a new initiative to achieve a 45% binding target for renewable energy in the EU by 2030 – the only way that we will avoid the most serious effects of climate change in the not-too-distant future.

Europe’s energy system must undergo radical change. This is the key to fulfilling the European Union’s committment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% by 2050 in order to avoid the most serious effects of climate change, for the well-being of our socities.

The simple idea behind Earth Hour, originating in Australia a few years ago, has taken off around the world. The project asks everyone to turn off their lights, for one hour, each year at the same time. The reason is to “take a stand against climate change”. This year, the date is Saturday 26 March, at 8.30, wherever you are on the planet.

This simple request has garnered massive support. In 2007, the first year of Earth Hour, 2.2 million individuals and more than 2000 businesses participated in Australia. One year later, 50 million people joined in across 35 countries. The Golden Gate Bridge and the Colosseum in Rome were among the landmarks that went dark to mark Earth Hour that year. For Earth Hour last year, 128 countries officially switched off to signify their support for the planet.