European Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard hosts a public debate in Lisbon to discuss how innovative, low-carbon solutions in the transport sector can contribute to reducing Portugal’s emissions while improving mobility and boosting economic growth.
Commissioner Hedegaard will cycle to the event at the Electricity Museum of Portugal with the Portuguese Minister for Agriculture, Sea, Environment and Spatial Planning Assunção Cristas, professional cyclist Cândido Barbosa, and members of the Portuguese Federation of Cycling and Bicycle Users.
Road transport alone contributes about one-fifth of the EU’s total emissions of carbon dioxide – the main greenhouse gas. Creating cleaner and more balanced transport options for citizens and goods is key to moving towards a low-carbon society. What’s more, environmentally friendly modes of transport can not only be cost-effective, but also generate environmental co-benefits, for instance improved air quality and reduced noise levels.
Commissioner Hedegaard and the minister will discuss best low-emissions practices from Portugal with citizens and leading figures from European businesses, civil society organisations, and the public sector.
Connie Hedegaard said: “Each one of us can make a difference in the fight against climate change – governments, industries, cities but also individual consumers. Do you know what you can do? Buying local or low-energy products, taking the bike or avoiding unnecessary waste of energy: this sustainable approach will save us money, time and emissions. What is holding you back from doing the things that are obviously a good idea? I am looking forward to discussing this with you.”
The event will showcase several innovative, climate-friendly solutions from business in Portugal and beyond, for example Caetanobus’s work developing the 100% electric bus, Carris e Metro’s significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions on Lisbon’s roads, for example adding buses that run on natural gas to the fleet, Maersk Line’s efforts to reduce emissions in the shipping industry while remaining the most efficient way of transporting goods on a global scale and how the innovation arm of Energias de Portugal, EDP inovação, is meeting the challenges of climate change.
“These are just a few of the many examples in Europe of intelligent and innovative solutions and technologies that reduce CO2 pollution These smart solutions are the backbone of the campaign A world you like, with a climate you like that I am presenting today in Portugal, ” said Connie Hedegaard. “Climate-friendly innovations improve our quality of life and boost skilled employment and economic growth.”
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