Sustainable forms of energy can also play a key role in income generation - a primary path out of poverty for the millions who do not have access to reliable grid-distributed electricity.

BBC: Powering our way out of poverty

The EU could become a world leader in tackling climate change and sustainable living, promoting renewable energy generation and living more lightly on the planet - indeed, it's essential that it does so.

BBC: NEWS | Science/Nature | EU 'must walk its climate talk'

Although women are still underrepresented in many technology leadership positions around the world (even here in Silicon Valley), I have long believed that women have the potential to thrive in the green technology sector because it serves a higher purpose of creating a more sustainable environment for the next generation and beyond.

FORBES: Have a Mentor? How about being a Mentor?

"Destination Local will prototype the next generation of these services in a bid to understand whether these new technologies and platforms can deliver sustainable, scalable models that serve local communities and deliver economic benefit, " he added.

BBC: MyTown and Papur Dre in ?100,000 boost from Nesta project