EU Delegation urges sustainable mobility

The European Union Delegation to Korea on Wednesday stressed the importance of sustainable mobility as part of its efforts to raise awareness on climate change.

At a roundtable discussion held during the EU Climate Diplomacy Week, six delegates and experts, including Gerhard Sabathil, the head of the EU Delegation to Korea, shared about green transport policies and the strategies of Europe and Korea, as well as how sustainable transport can contribute to a cut in emissions. 

“Transport represents almost a quarter of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions and is the main cause of air pollution in cities,” said Joelle Hivonnet, the deputy head of the EU Delegation to Korea.

“In order to meet the (Paris agreement) goal, a holistic approach to decarbonization is essential. That is why a wide range of actions need to be put in place, with a focus on three main areas: higher efficiency of the transport system, low-emissions alternative energy for transport and low-and zero-emissions vehicles,” she added.

The EU Climate Diplomacy Week, held in Seoul and Busan from Sunday to Oct.1, aims to raise awareness of climate change. The program, which is part of a one-year project called the “EU Climate Change Outreach Project,” includes a bicycle ride, photo exhibitions and roundtable discussions.

The discussion offered a chance to look at European strategies, the reality of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and electric vehicle business perspectives in Korea. The speakers also discussed ways to create synergy through collaboration between the EU and Korea.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)