New Partnership Calls for Copenhagen Climate Agreement

to Tackle Growing Transport Emissions

25 September (DESA) -– A climate change agreement to be reached in Copenhagen must lead to reductions in transport-related greenhouse gas emissions, warns a group of development, transport and climate change organizations from both rich and poor countries.

The new Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport (SLoCaT) -- launched officially in Bangkok, Thailand on 25 September -- aims to actively contribute options and advice on the development of sustainable transport systems worldwide to inform the international climate change negotiations. The Partnership currently has over 30 members, including the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank among many notable organizations.

“The access to goods and services is critically important for developing countries to engage in economic activity needed for development -- especially those with the least ability to engage in markets. DESA supports this partnership which seeks innovative approaches to rework the way in which transport has been developing. We must ensure access for all while limiting the negative impacts of inefficiency in transport systems, including greenhouse gas emissions,” said Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General of DESA.

Transport-related carbon dioxide emissions are expected to increase 57 per cent worldwide in the period 2005-2030, with the transport sectors of developing countries -– particularly in Asia and Latin America -– potentially contributing about 80 per cent of this increase if nothing is done. While the developed countries bear responsibility for cleaning up their transport systems, transport in developing countries is expanding rapidly. Urgent measures and assistance are needed to ensure that this growth is sustainable on a more low-carbon path.

“I welcome the approach of the Partnership to focus both on reducing greenhouse gases and improving the overall sustainability of transport in developing countries,” said Rajendra Pachauri, the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. “This means that the Partnership will not only be a force for a better climate but also for a better life for people in developing countries.”

In addition to informing international climate change negotiations through provision of options, ideas and technical assistance to understand the complex interactions of the transport sector, the partnership will also play an active role in the upcoming sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Its establishment follows the May 2009 Bellagio Declaration on Transportation and Climate Change, which called for overhauling transport systems with more sustainable, low-carbon solutions and approaches.

With the Secretary General’s recent Summit on Climate Change in New York fostering momentum and with all stakeholders pushing for a fair and effective climate deal in Copenhagen this December, the partnership’s goals are both timely and necessary.

For more information on the Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport, please contact: Tom Hamlin, Division for Sustainable Development, UN-DESA, +1 212 963 8797, Hamlin@un.org; or Cornie Huizenga, Asian Development Bank, +86 13901949332,CHuizenga@adb.org.

The Partnership for Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport was developed by:

Asian Development Bank (ADB): is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. ADB's Sustainable Transport Initiative (STI) promotes investments in clean, affordable, and safe transport systems. www.adb.org

Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) Center: promotes reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transport, energy and other sectors. The Center, together with the CAI-Asia Partnership and Country Networks, translates knowledge to policies and action. www.cleanairnet.org/caiasia

Clean Air Institute (CAI): promotes a comprehensive approach to addressing air quality challenges and climate change in Latin America. www.cleanairnet.org/lac_en/

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit GmbH/German Technical Cooperation (GTZ): to improve people’s living conditions in developing countries. In the transport sector, GTZ is providing a global survey on fuel prices and initiated the Sustainable Urban Transport Project. www.sutp.org

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB): is the leading source of multilateral financing and technical assistance in Latin America and the Caribbean. IDB assistance to the transport sector aims to limit GHG-emissions and minimizes other negative externalities, without compromising economic growth and social inclusion. www.iadb.org

Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP): promotes environmentally sustainable and socially equitable transportation worldwide. ITDP works with governments, local advocacy groups, and international institutions to implement projects and advance policies that reduce poverty, pollution and oil dependence. www.itdp.org

International Association for Public Transport (UITP): is an international network for public transport authorities and operators, policy decision-makers, and the public transport supply and service industry. UITP is a global advocate for public transport and sustainable mobility, and the promoter of innovations in the sector. www.uitp.org

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI): is an institution with a global vision and a local focus providing innovative and low-cost solutions for a better tomorrow. TERI promotes a sustainable and low-carbon future through the efficient and sustainable use of energy and natural resources. TERI carries forward its vision through in house research activities, training, capacity building and education. www.teriin.org

Transport Research Laboratory (TRL): based in the United Kingdom, is one of the largest and most comprehensive independent centres for transport research globally. It provides practical advice based upon high-level research on sustainable transport and has been active in developing post-2012 policy options for a low-carbon future. www.trl.co.uk

United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD): implements the Asian Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Initiative, a joint initiative with the Ministry of the Environment, Japan. This initiative aims to build a common understanding on EST and an integrated approach on environmentally sustainable transport. www.uncrd.or.jp/env/est/

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA): assists Governments in agenda-setting and decision-making on development issues at the global level. It provides support to the UN Commission on Sustainable Development and a broad range of analytical products and policy advice that serve as valuable reference sources and decision-making tools for developed and developing countries. www.un.org/esa/desa/

* *** *