December 12, 2011 in Blog
October 7, 2011 in Blog
April 6, 2011 in Blog
April 1, 2011 in Live Debates, Other
Background
The European Commission published its new transport white paper, a strategic document that sets the tone of EU transport policy for the next decade. The main stated objective of the white paper is to make transport more sustainable, from an economic, social and environmental point of view.
Over the past decade, the environmental dimension of transport policy has grown in importance, as climate change mitigation has risen to the forefront of EU priorities.
Transport accounts for 27% of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, a share that is set to grow. If current trends are left unchecked, growth in transport emissions could even offset reductions achieved in other sectors. If the EU is to de-carbonise its economy by 2050, this issue will have to be addressed.
Commissioner Kallas recently stated that the Commission would probably aim at a reduction of GHG emissions from 50% to 70% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels, by halving Europe’s transport sector’s reliance on oil. Linked objectives include a pledge to fully de-carbonise urban mobility, a shift of most long-distance inland freight to rail and inland waterways, and a shift of most medium-distance passenger transport to these same modes.
To achieve this, the Commission is betting heavily on technologies, with the hope that a shift to greener and smarter transport will help to establish a competitive low-carbon economy, deliver green jobs and change users’ habits.
Beyond research and development, the deployment of new technologies will depend on political will and financial resources. With investment in transport infrastructures at an all-time low, and in a context of shrinking public resources, how can this be achieved? Is the private sector ready to step in? Are national governments ready to commit? Will citizens follow?
Comment:Visions convened a high level panel of experts to debate the future of European tranport.
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March 3, 2011 in Other
NB – Online registration for this event is now closed. Registration is still possible for people with a permanent EP accreditation (permanent badge or express list) only. For more information please contact EVevents@economist.com.
Background
The European Commission is in the process of finalising its new transport white paper, a strategic document that will set the tone of EU transport policy for a decade. The main stated objective of the white paper is to make transport more sustainable, from an economic, social and environmental point of view.
Over the past decade, the environmental dimension of transport policy has grown in importance, as climate change mitigation has risen to the forefront of EU priorities.
Transport accounts for 27% of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, a share that is set to grow. If current trends are left unchecked, growth in transport emissions could even offset reductions achieved in other sectors. If the EU is to de-carbonise its economy by 2050, this issue will have to be addressed.
Commissioner Kallas recently stated that the Commission would probably aim at a reduction of GHG emissions from 50% to 70% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels, by halving Europe’s transport sector’s reliance on oil. Linked objectives should include a pledge to fully de-carbonise urban mobility, a shift of most long-distance inland freight to rail and inland waterways, and a shift of most medium-distance passenger transport to these same modes.
To achieve this, the Commission is betting heavily on technologies, with the hope that a shift to greener and smarter transport will help to establish a competitive low-carbon economy, deliver green jobs and change users’ habits.
Beyond research and development, the deployment of new technologies will depend on political will and financial resources. With investment in transport infrastructures at an all-time low, and in a context of shrinking public resources, how can this be achieved? Is the private sector ready to step in? Are national governments ready to commit? Will citizens follow?
Comment:Visions invites you to debate these issues with a panel of high-level decision makers and experts.
Provisional Timing
18.00-18.30 Welcome of participants and registration
18.30-18.35 Introduction of participants by Jennifer Rankin, energy and environment reporter, European Voice
18.35-19.05 Panel discussion
- Gesine Meissner, MEP, ALDE co-ordinator in the transport committee, European Parliament
- Keir Fitch, deputy head of cabinet of Siim Kallas, vice-president in charge of transport, European Commission – responsible for the white paper within the cabinet
- Martin Rocholl, policy director & programme director, transport, European Climate Foundation
- Richard Aumayer, director, central division external affairs, governmental and political relations, Robert Bosch GmbH
19.05-19.55 Debate (audience participation strongly encouraged)
19.55-20.00 Conclusions by Mark Gainsborough, executive vice-president strategy, portfolio & alternative energy, Shell
20.00 Networking reception
Discussion:
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February 28, 2011 in Sustainable Mobility
Road transport accounts for about 17% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. By 2050 the number of cars on the road is expected to treble and trucking activities double. Meeting growing demand for cleaner, lower-CO2 transport fuels will need a range of approaches, including vehicles powered by biofuels, electricity, compressed natural gas and hydrogen fuel cells.
Discussion: Is sustainable mobility about changing users' behaviour, or changing transport infrastructure?Related Content:
Live Debate: Can europe de-carbonise transport?
Live Debate: De-carbonised transport: with or without biofuels?
January 20, 2011 in Blog
January 14, 2011 in Blog
January 1, 2011 in Green Cities
Many cities around the world are facing huge challenges when it comes to sustainability. With a rising population and higher energy demands not only problems about waste reduction and water supplies have to be solved, but also transport and energy efficiency in buildings have to be changed in order to make “Megacities” greener and more sustainable.
Discussion: What can we do to ensure cities are sustainable now?Related Content:
Discussion: By how much should we expect renewables to replace fossil fuels over the next 20 years?
April 1, 2010 in Electric Vehicles
The internal combustion engine dominated the twentieth century. It changed landscapes, industries, communities; it fundamentally altered the way we lived. However, its drawbacks went hand-in-hand with its benefits and the high environmental cost of motoring remains a matter of intense debate in countries across the world.
Here’s the rub; cars are machines that rely on ever-dwindling resources and create emissions, yet their use is entrenched in our societies; not driving is simply not a viable option. It’s this problem that has lead to the growth of interest in electric cars as potential solution and this month Comment Visions talks to a man who believes it is a very real solution.
Jacques de Selliers is an engineer and the founder of the European Association for Battery Electric Vehicles. While realistic over the limited impact electric vehicles have made in mainstream motoring he argues convincingly that their time will come; largely because it has to.
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