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

  • Safety first at IRF Caribbean Regional Congress in Jamaica
    July 7, 2015
    The wealth of experiences and ideas shared during the recent 4th IRF Caribbean Regional Congress underscored the International Road Federation’s value in shaping policy contributions to global transportation challenges ranging from resilient infrastructure to road safety. The regional congress coincided with the start of the 3rd United Nations Global Road Safety Week, an initiative aimed at fostering discussion and awareness-raising in more than 100 countries. The event was run by the IRF Washington office
  • Certified safe: ARTBA president talks future highways and safety
    January 16, 2020
    What keeps Dave Bauer* up at night? David Arminas caught up with the head of ARTBA at his Washington D.C. office during daylight hours
  • Peru's award winning road construction project
    April 16, 2012
    The South Interoceanic Road is a path of integration and development: it is also a GRAA 2011 Winning Project . On 24 January, 2012 the International Road Federation formally presented a Global Road Achievement Award (GRAA) in. the Programme Management category to Concesionaria Interoceánica Sur Tramos 2 y 3, S.A. for its leadership in the provision of integrated services as part of a large-scale transportation infrastructure programme. IIRSA Sur Concessionaire - Stretches 2 & 3, builds, provides maintenanc
  • Peru's award winning road construction project
    May 8, 2012
    The South Interoceanic Road is a path of integration and development: it is also a GRAA 2011 Winning Project . On 24 January, 2012 the International Road Federation formally presented a Global Road Achievement Award (GRAA) in. the Programme Management category to Concesionaria Interoceánica Sur Tramos 2 y 3, S.A. for its leadership in the provision of integrated services as part of a large-scale transportation infrastructure programme. IIRSA Sur Concessionaire - Stretches 2 & 3, builds, provides maintenanc