Skip to main content

IRF Manifesto on Climate Change Adaptation released at COP22

Released in Morocco during COP22 negotiations, the document has generated enthusiasm in the sector and gained the support of partner organisations beside the endorsement from IRF Geneva membership around the world Under the leadership of the Moroccan Government, adaptation and action on adaptation has gained centre stage at COP22 hosted in Marrakech from 8 to 18 November 2016. As climate change and the threats its poses become increasingly apparent, it is also becoming clear that the transport sector is
January 30, 2017 Read time: 3 mins
Released in Morocco during COP22 negotiations, the document has generated enthusiasm in the sector and gained the support of partner organisations beside the endorsement from IRF Geneva membership around the world

Under the leadership of the Moroccan Government, adaptation and action on adaptation has gained centre stage at COP22 hosted in Marrakech from 8 to 18 November 2016. As climate change and the threats its poses become increasingly apparent, it is also becoming clear that the transport sector is likely to be heavily affected by the negative impacts of climate change and that measures to protect transport infrastructure and services have to be put in place. Much of this action involves adapting existing transport infrastructure to the threats posed by climate change, and building resilient new infrastructure.

“Adaptation in transport should not be viewed in isolation, nor reduced to just technical infrastructure fixes. On the contrary, adaptation should be seen as part of a wider strategic approach, reflecting the interrelationships between transport (infrastructure and network operations), the local/regional economy and land use” said Susanna Zammataro, IRF Geneva Executive Director, presenting the IRF Manifesto at the Transport Day organised in Marrakech.

The IRF Manifesto states that “Given the uncertainties inherent in climate change and its impacts, it is necessary to plan, make policy and take action based on complete, relevant, accurate, and up-to-date data." This is a shared concerned in the international community and in the sector in particular and the Manifesto calls strongly on the necessity to set data collection and management at the top of the priorities list when discussing action on adaptation.

“We are encouraged by the strong support that the document has received from all over the world and from other leading road transport organisations. It is a clear sign that there’s convergence on the identified priorities especially when it comes to data, access to climate finance schemes, prioritisation of spending and creation of the conditions that will encourage the private sector to invest and deliver” added Mrs Zammataro.

“We are delighted to work with the members of our Federation and with other key partners to further the transport agenda and to make sure that transport becomes an integral part of the climate negotiations and action. Sustainable mobility is a fundamental part of the quality of life of people and the backbone of the economy of any country in the world. Providing sustainable transport infrastructure and services is key to realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

The Manifesto is available on 1201 IRF Geneva website.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • IRF publishes ITS manifesto
    February 22, 2013
    Ministerial launch marks IRF’s long-term commitment to ITS deployment and the creation of conducive policy environments for the adoption of smart technology While sustainable mobility is recognised as one of the keys to social and economic development, our roads are becoming increasingly congested, road transport has negative environmental impacts and more and more cars need to be accommodated. For IRF, a pivotal response to this dilemma lies in the increased deployment of intelligent transport systems (IT
  • The IRF is gearing up for greener road infrastructure
    March 13, 2014
    Prominent new publication reinforces IRF Geneva’s long-standing commitment to making sustainable transport a reality Moving Towards Green Road Infrastructure: Case Studies and Lessons Learned’ is the latest in a series of practical resources developed by IRF Geneva aimed at identifying tangible solutions for encouraging sustainability at every stage of the road infrastructure life cycle. Formally launched last December in the framework of the IRF Geneva Summit ‘Bringing Policy and Practice Together’,
  • UN General Assembly adopts a resolution on “Improving global road safety”
    June 8, 2016
    The UN General Assembly and its Member States have adopted on 15 April 2016 a resolution on "Improving global road safety". The resolution, which was tabled by the Government of the Russian Federation, was co-sponsored by 55 governments. IRF Geneva was represented in New York by Susanna Zammataro, IRF executive director, for the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration (UNRSC) Group meeting and the discussions leading up to the adoption of a the new resolution by the UN General Assembly. Zoleka Mandela,
  • On the road to the IRF Istanbul Congress, first stop: decarbonisation
    May 30, 2024

    As the world gears up for the highly anticipated IRF World Congress 2024 to be hosted in Istanbul on 15-18 October 2024, work on some of the core themes of the Congress is moving on steadily.

    Under the overarching theme of “Connecting to Empower Mobility: Roads as Enablers of a Sustainable Future for All”, the Congress serves as a dynamic platform to explore innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.