LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15 (CleanEnergyPolitics.com) — The third annual Governors’ Global Climate Summit (GGCS) opened at the University of California (UC), Davis in Southern California on Monday, November 15, 2010, promoting more efforts to develop clean energy jobs and protecting the environment.

More than 1,500 delegates and representatives from over 80 states, provinces and countries attended the conference. The theme was “Building the Green Economy.”

Governor Schwarzenegger addressing the Third Annual GGCS

Recognized as one of the most prominent meetings of regional leaders from around the globe focused on solutions for the climate and environment, the conference managers are working to develop their network of domestic and international collaborations. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said participants share strategies and policies about growing clean energy economies, reducing fossil fuel dependency, creating green jobs, promote green solutions and reducing pollution from greenhouse gas.

“I am honored to welcome so many leaders, experts and attendees from all over the world to our third annual Governors’ Global Climate Summit at one of California’s world-renowned universities — UC Davis,” Schwarzenegger said.

“With or without international agreements, the green revolution is moving full-speed ahead in states, regions and provinces. I have seen the power these regional governments carry in influencing and creating the new ideas that spur clean innovation, reduce emissions and create jobs, and this summit is an incredible opportunity to build on our subnational successes,” he added.

“Together, we are ushering in a cleaner, brighter and more prosperous future that we can be proud to pass on to the next generation.”

Adding to the achievements of the GGCS in 2008 and 2009, the 2010 event brought together leaders from all over the globe to work together to protect the environment. The conference promoters are trying to bring to the fore the worldwide war against climate change by joint actions aimed at reducing emissions and building clean energy green economies.

The summit hosted climate conversations among top leaders of local, regional, national and international interests, including academics, businesspeople and non-profit organizations.

Many regions throughout the world will be well-served by the event by learning the best practices, sharing knowledge and working to extend mutual interests through better understanding of each other’s special environmental and economic concerns.

The conference also establishes a platform for nations and provinces to hook-up with and influence the positions of their state governments ahead of the UN conference in Cancun, Mexico, later this year.

Promo Flyer for GGCS3

The UN Development Program and the UN Environment Program was a partner in the summit. UC Davis co-sponsored it and provided the venue. The summit was co-hosted by California Governor Schwarzenegger, Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski.

“The clean energy path leads to millions of jobs, less reliance on fossil fuels and reduced greenhouse gases,” said Michigan Governor Granholm. “This summit is an opportunity to share with the world how we’re building a clean energy economy in Michigan as well as to learn from the experience of others.”

“In Wisconsin, we have no natural gas, no coal, and no oil,” said Wisconsin Governor Doyle. “Capturing even a fraction of the 16 billion U.S. dollars, our state spending on energy would mean billions of dollars in economic growth and job creation.”

“We’ve been really focused on building on our strengths in innovation and business to create real jobs in the clean energy economy, and as a result of our policies and investments, Wisconsin has seen a rapid expansion in renewable energy production and real growth in clean energy jobs,” Doyle added.

“Addressing climate change is critical to our global economic and environmental future,” said Oregon Governor Kulongoski. “One state, one nation cannot work in isolation. We must make regional, national and international commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to clean sources of fuel, and investing in the research and technology to move toward an energy independent universe.”

The summit took place at UC Davis. The university’s high profile track record of world-class research and development in environmental sustainability and green jobs was on display and touted by attendees.

UC Davis’ academic research, expertise and collaborative approach have been providing solutions to government, industry and advocates for decades on topics ranging from energy efficiency and biofuels to sustainable agriculture and health solutions for rural and developing communities.

“The politics of climate change have challenged science, so it is critical that universities like UC Davis — with 21st-century research and development units — uncover and deliver the facts so that the world’s opinions can flow from there,” said UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi.

“We are showing the way in research, innovation, stewardship and sustainability because we believe in those principles,” she added.