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 Geneva highlights making roads safe: a priority for all
    May 15, 2014
    IRF Geneva’s Susanna Zammataro highlights the importance of the Federation’s ongoing commitment to the work of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, with which she serves as co-chair of the project group dedicated to Safer Roads and Mobility On 10th April, the United Nations General Assembly was due to discuss a new global road safety resolution. For those who might dismiss this as just another piece of paper condemned to sit on government shelves and gather dust, this a reminder of a few facts
  • Rural roads important to global development
    February 10, 2012
    Maryvonne Plessis-Fraissard highlights that the key importance of rural roads in the context of global development is only now being fully recognised, is not receiving enough attention and is facing vital new challenges
  • Our connected and automated future to go under the microscope at RA – IRF Sydney Conference
    May 10, 2018
    As industry and governments around the world continue to grapple with the challenges of vehicle automation, experts will gather in Sydney at the end of May to take stock of progress on the global journey to a new era of mobility. The two-day 2018 Roads Australia (RA) – IRF Regional Conference for Asia and Australasia, to be held over May 31st and June 1st, marks only the second time the two organisations have co-hosted an international event ‘down under’. And with RA playing a key role in helping inform t
  • IRF Geneva to support Qatar on its recycling strategy
    June 12, 2018
    IRF Geneva was at the Pavement Preservation and Recycling Summit (PPRS) 2018 in Nice The Pavement Preservation and Recycling Summit (PPRS) 2018 in Nice (26th – 28th March 2018) set the scene for the signature of an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between between Ashghal, the Qatari Public Works Authority and the International Road Federation (Geneva). Ashghal’s participation in the summit was part of its endeavour to open opportunities for cooperation and investment in the road sector and recy