Speaking as he addressed an international conference delegation which included leading world climate change experts who arrived in Belfast today for the first National Travelwise Association (NTWA) Conference to be hosted by Northern Ireland, the Minister said: “Decision-makers in the business, engineering, environment and communications sectors all have an obligation to effectively address issues relating to climate change and transport.
"It is vital that key stakeholders have a clear understanding of the potential impacts and response strategies to climate change. This conference will assist them with the development of environmental protection plans by offering expert advice from respected international authorities.”
The two day Conference entitled “Transport and Climate Change: Understand the Problem, Be Part of the Solution” has been organised by Travelwise NI, a Department for Regional Development (DRD) Roads Service initiative, and examines the global impact of climate change, focusing on how the private and public sectors can react to help build a more sustainable future.
NTWA Chairman Neil Scales said that the focus of this year’s event was to crack down on one of the main contributing factors to climate change. “By selecting the theme of ‘Transport and Climate Change’, the National TravelWise Association is urging society to preserve the planet for generations to come by addressing these serious challenges which can no longer be ignored. This conference will offer sustainable transport practitioners a range of workable solutions and preventive measures against further environmental damage.”
DRD acting Permanent Secretary David Sterling, who is due to open the event, emphasized the significance of the NTWA Conference coming to Northern Ireland. "This conference demonstrates to a global audience the local effort being made to combat climate change. I am especially delighted to welcome the international speakers and delegates whose dedication to addressing this serious problem has been inspirational. Northern Ireland is firmly focused on driving forward initiatives such as Travelwise NI to meet the targets set in government’s Sustainable Development Strategy. The high level of local participation at this event emphasises Northern Ireland’s commitment to tackling environmental issues.”
International expert and Canadian academic Dr Barry Wellar from the University of Ottawa, acclaimed for his pioneering work on alternative transportation strategies told the conference: “Society’s contributions to the problems of climate change far exceed its contributions to the solution. We are faced with many sustainable transport principles but it is very difficult to find evidence of achieved sustainable transport practices. Therefore, this Belfast forum is an excellent opportunity to put this matter on the public agenda."
Other international speakers at the conference include: Swedish expert Mats Dryselius from “ResSmart” whose exemplary work has assisted in making Stockholm’s transport system more efficient and environmentally-friendly, and Simon Barnes, Environment Manager from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, who will examine the complex relationships between road transport and climate change, technology and sustainable consumption.
The event is sponsored by Translink, the Department for Transport & Marine, Ireland, Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services and Atkins. For further information contact Travelwise NI on 028 9054 1361 or email info@travelwiseni.com
Notes to Editors:
1.The conference will take place in the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Thursday 8 - Friday 9 November 2007.
2.Interviews with Brian Moreland, Head of Travelwise NI, and Neil Scales, NTWA Chairman, as well as international conference speakers and delegates can be arranged.
3.Other conference speakers include representatives from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, BT, Merseytravel, Queens University, DRD Roads Service, London European Partnership for Transport, Improwise, TravelSwitch, Translink, Sustrans and Belfast City Council. There will also be creative orkshops
such as “Speed Dating for Businesses”, “Developing Free Range Children” and “Managing Change thru’ Jazz”.
4.The NTWA is a partnership made up of Local Government Authorities and other public organisations that work together to promote and encourage sustainable and health travel choices. NTWA aims to reduce society’s dependence on the car by raising awareness of the environmental, health, economic and social effects of car use. Today there are over 160 members representing organisations within 11 regional groups. Visit www.travelwise.org.uk.
5.Travelwise NI is an initiative of the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service to promote sustainable transport options such as car-sharing, walking, cycling and public transport.
6.The 2007 NTWA Conference is a climate neutral event - carbon emissions will be offset with Climate Care.
Operational media queries to: Ross Williamson or Ursula Kelleher, Inform Communications, Tel: (028) 9023 3550 or 07734 821070 (RW) and 07739 420949 (UK)
Other Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, DRD Press Office, Tel: 02890 540007
