Low emissions vehicles complete COP15 Eco-Rally
In London on 8 December a small convoy of “green” vehicles, left for Copenhagen. Revolve Global organised this historic trip in co-operation with Honda (Insight- hybrid), Revolve Technologies (hydrogen) and Organic Power (bio-methane) to create a mini Eco-Rally of green vehicles for the historic Climate Change Summit. They arrived at late last night in Copenhagen tired but pleased to be there.
The logic behind the trip is to highlight that it is possible to travel long distances without flying, although with the infrastructure for re-fuelling some of the technologies still being embryonic, the journey still presented enough challenges to make it a notable undertaking. Sustainable transport specialist Revolve Founding Director Steven Glaser is a participant as well being technical advisor and navigator.
Top green author Tracey Smith- “The Book of Rubbish Ideas” published by Alastair Sawdays as part of the Fragile Earth series- was along for the ride and helped all passengers put things into a context of sustainability. Timed to coincide with COP15, which has already seen the significant announcement from the US concerning the status of greenhouse gases, opening the way for President Obama to make progress in regulating emissions, the mini rally has also provided a means for the Positive TV film crew – In Copenhagen to record the events of the summit for a documentary - to travel to Copenhagen in an environmentally friendly manner too .
Revolve started the organising Eco-Rallies in 2007. The first one was opened by HRH Prince Charles; this year they were welcomed to London from Mayor, Boris Johnston. This longer trip has not only to highlighted the irony of so many people flying to Copenhagen but that it is possible and practicable to drive sustainably fueled vehicles- options are here: now.
The mini rally has been a demonstration of sustainable transport in action; transport accounts for 47% of an individual’s carbon emissions. It sends the message to the world that automotive companies through to innovative SME’s are taking action against climate change in many ways. It is not to say more cannot be done but they are well on the road and keen to see air quality improved, a response to finite oil stocks and carbon emissions cut and the environment treated with more respect. Social media coverage for this endeavour is via Twitter (#ecorally). It has the support of Eco-Rally regulars Quentin Wilson, Robert Llewellyn and Joanna Yarrow.
For more information, visit eco-rally.org.
