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UITP welcomes climate agreement but insists more must be done

Posted: 15 December 2015 | Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Intelligent Transport | 1 comment

UITP has welcomed the recent COP21 climate agreement in Paris but urges governments to do more to bridge the emissions gap. An historic climate agreement was reached by 195 nations in Paris as part of the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21), with all nations committing to a common cause on climate […]

UITP welcomes climate agreement but insists more must be done

UITP has welcomed the recent COP21 climate agreement in Paris but urges governments to do more to bridge the emissions gap.

UITP welcomes climate agreement but insists more must be done

An historic climate agreement was reached by 195 nations in Paris as part of the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21), with all nations committing to a common cause on climate action based on their historic, current and future responsibilities.

Even with the landmark agreement, UITP believes the promises given by countries to curb their emissions in the run-up to the COP21 will fall far short of the two degree goal. Instead, governments should commit to bridging the emissions gap and invest in developing the public transport needed in order to do so.

Governments need to commit to bridging the emissions gap and invest in public transport

Around a quarter of all countries that have identified specific transport interventions have pledged to focus efforts on public transport. UITP believes this is a positive step in the right direction but feels there is considerable scope for further action. However, under the agreement countries will need to submit updated climate plans every five years, this will provide clarity on each countries climate action implementation.

Alain Flausch, UITP Secretary General, said: “UITP hails the historic agreement made in Paris this weekend as it marks the beginning of the end for fossil fuels and offers a strong signal to markets for green investment and innovation. However, in order to meet the 2 degrees Celsius goal, expanding public transport will be vital in the months and years to come”.

Further information on UITP’s activities and initiatives to combat climate change can be found here.

One response to “UITP welcomes climate agreement but insists more must be done”

  1. Morris Hickey says:

    More investment required in urban tram and trolleybus systems.

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