In collaboration with the European Environmental Agency

Dec 15, 2009 10:36 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft and the European Environmental Agency (EEA) have taken their relationship to the next level, beyond the evolution of Eye on Earth. On December 13, the United Nations 15th Climate Change Conference (COP15), in Copenhagen, acted as the stage for EEA to release a couple of fresh Cloud-based applications powered by Microsoft technology. You have already been able to read details about the Environmental Atlas of Europe right here on Softpedia, as well as information on Eye on Earth. But in addition to the app designed to let citizens across Europe access water and air quality data, and on top of the new digital platform designed to educate people in the European Union on climate change, Bend the Trend was also unveiled.

With Bend the Trend, Microsoft and EEA are providing users worldwide with a comprehensive online global program set up to streamline their efforts related to cutting carbon emissions. Those interested in reducing their environmental footprint have the opportunity to become Trendbenders, via the new Cloud app put together by Microsoft and EEA.

Paul Lloyd Robson, Microsoft’s Environmental Sustainability lead for the Nordic region, opined that initiatives such as Eye on Earth, Atlas and Bend the Trend are examples of how both citizens and companies can help governments tackle climate change problems. “The governments of the world realize they can’t do it all alone,” Robson explained. “They need industry and NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and their citizens supporting them because we’re facing such a momentous challenge.”

Via Bend the Trend, Microsoft and EEA are essentially inviting people to an online pledging program. The app will not only make it easy for people to commit to cutting down their environmental impact but will also allow them to monitor their own progress.

”Essentially, it’s a way to involve every single citizen with an Internet connection who wants to help,” said Frank McCosker, managing director of Global Strategic Accounts at Microsoft. The Bend the Trend application, along with the Environmental Atlas of Europe, demonstrate how technology can empower citizens in the fight against climate change, he added. “By putting information into the hands of citizens, technology is letting them answer an urgent question: ‘How can you help?’”