[Explanation] On the evening of October 14, the second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference opened in Beijing. United Nations Secretary-General Guterres stated in his speech that it is necessary to accelerate the decarbonization of all vehicles and promote the realization of net zero emissions by 2050. Target.
[Explanation] Guterres pointed out that the new crown epidemic has tightened the economies of various countries and reduced global road traffic activities by half. Although this has reduced traffic accidents, improved air quality, and rapidly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, these temporary progress did not last. Go down.
[Concurrent] United Nations Secretary-General Guterres
Compared to when we reached an agreement on the sustainable development goals for climate and marine biodiversity six years ago, we are farther away from achieving these goals. We are very close to the upper limit of 1.5°C agreed in Paris. The door to action on nature and pollution is closing.
[Explanation] Guterres said that transportation accounts for more than a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. Only by accelerating the construction of sustainable transportation and promoting the decarbonization of all vehicles can we achieve the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
[Concurrent] United Nations Secretary-General Guterres
The key tasks that need to be completed are obvious. Major manufacturing countries will phase out the production of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 and require developing countries to do this by 2040. Zero-emission ships must become the default choice and put on the market by 2030. Achieve zero emissions from the shipping industry by 2050.
Companies must start using sustainable aviation fuels now to reduce carbon emissions per passenger by 65% by 2050. All stakeholders can play a role, including personal changes in travel habits, as well as companies’ complete changes. Change the carbon footprint.
[Explanation] Guterres pointed out that public transportation services should become the basic services of urban transportation. We must not only make public transportation more convenient, but also strengthen the ability of the transportation system to respond to disasters and improve sustainability.
[Concurrent] United Nations Secretary-General Guterres
Many existing infrastructures, including ports and public transport facilities, are vulnerable to extreme weather events, and the frequency and severity of such events are increasing. We need to improve risk analysis and disaster planning, and increase the number of solutions. Methods and providing more funding for climate adaptation are vital to investing in sustainable and disaster-resistant transportation systems.
[Explanation] At the Copenhagen Climate Conference in 2009, developed countries promised to provide developing countries with at least US$100 billion each year before 2020 to help the latter cope with the challenges of climate change.
Guterres pointed out that this goal underestimates the actual demand, and even so, it is still far from being achieved.
[Concurrent] United Nations Secretary-General Guterres
I once again call for half of all climate funds to be used to adapt to climate change. We must use public and private resources to build sustainable infrastructure in developing countries to promote recovery from the epidemic, and at the same time achieve various sustainable Accelerate progress in terms of development goals.
[Explanation] He emphasized that the world must switch to renewable energy in the next 9 years, and sustainable transportation is the core of this transformation. This conference will be an important opportunity to encourage everyone to take action to build a sustainable transportation system.
Reporter Liu Chao reports from Beijing
Editor in charge: [Li Ji]