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 releases 60th edition World Road Statistics
    November 6, 2023
    The International Road Federation (IRF) has just unveiled the 60th Edition of the IRF World Road Statistics (WRS), the most complete and latest road and transport data.
  • IRF Geneva present for the Belt and Road Initiative at the WTC China
    December 18, 2017
    IRF Geneva was one of the key supporting organisations of the World Transport Convention (WTC 2017) held on 4th-6th June 2017 in Beijing, China. Hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and organised by China Highway and Transportation Society (CHTS) the convention had as its theme “Green and Integrated Development through Innovations” and attracted 1,820 papers from all over the world and 5,000 delegates. Kiran Kapila, IRF chairman, delivered a keynote address in the opening
  • Success of toll road operators' conference
    July 12, 2012
    The 37th ASECAP Annual Study and Information Days held in Krakow, Poland, gathered some 300 road transport CEOs, experts and government decision-makers making the event "a huge success." Patrick Smith reports Toll road operators from across Europe have met to discuss the state of their businesses in the current economic climate and how to tackle it. Fabrizio Palenzona, the outgoing President of ASECAP (the European professional Association of Operators of Toll Road Infrastructures) and president of AISCAT (
  • At IRF Event in Riyadh, Key Policy Makers Debate a World of Transport Challenges
    December 12, 2013
    26 countries participated in a ministerial roundtable on the occasion of the 17th IRF World Meeting & Exhibition in Riyadh on November 10-14, 2013. The roundtable was convened to address key challenges faced by the sector, and discuss a long-term agenda that builds on successful policies and programs.