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'Behavioural change key to climate change' - Hans Rat, International Association for Public Transport Secretary-General

Sir,
Time is running out…behavioural change, not technology, will make the difference to climate change  in the short term.

Global warming is one of the major threats of the 21st century and many governments see technology as the most obvious solution. Unfortunately, the little progress made in the past 30 years makes it clear that this approach will not bring us the short- to medium-term change required. Emissions of carbon dioxide from transport represent around 26% of total global emissions and are growing faster than any other sector. Basically, the introduction of new clean technologies has simply been outstripped by the growth in the number of journeys. 

Much of the problem lies with our love affair with the internal combustion engine. Considering that the average life of a vehicle is around 20 years, cleaner fuels and vehicles will not bring any significant change before 2040. It is most likely that fossil fuel will remain the backbone of energy used for most transport for the foreseeable future. 

The Kyoto protocol is celebrating its two years of existence. In November, 166 governments discussed its future at the UNFCCC conference on Climate Change in Nairobi. Climate-change policies are no longer seen as merely being an extra cost to the taxpayer, hampering economic development, but rather as opportunities to enhance growth in a sustainable way. However, is this not too little, too late?  

We must seize this moment to review and start taking action on what we already know can work. Reducing energy consumption now and moving towards less energy-intensive modes of transport has an immediate effect.
In cities where the share of public transport, walking and cycling is less than 25% of motorised trips, the energy consumption is more than five times higher than in cities where it is 55% or more. This represents a difference of 500 litres of petrol (equivalent) per inhabitant per year. In other words, it is our individual behaviour that counts. 

The time for action is now. Strong political leadership is required, but we must also recognise our individual responsibility for the carbon footprint on this planet. We must optimise the choices available to us and find a better balance between private cars, public transit systems, walking and cycling, to ensure both efficiency and sustainability for future generations.
Hans Rat 
International Association for Public Transport (UITP ) Secretary-General
Brussels

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