“The EU needs the Nordic Region’s climate leadership”
If climate goals are to be met, there needs to be a fundamental reorganisation of all sectors – one that involves visions as well as concrete measures and instruments that encourage environmentally friendly trade and greener means of transport.
“This isn’t so much about new money as about being smarter with the money we have, and investing in the right areas. Today, we know that the most expensive option in the long run is to take no action at all,” said Thorgeirsson.
A combination of solutions is needed
According to Katherine Richardson, professor at Copenhagen University and member of the Danish climate council, it is important to maintain a perspective of sustainability in our long-term thinking.
“For example, liquid biofuels may seem like a good idea through to 2030, but by then the price of biomass will have risen and by 2050 there will be more favourable alternatives. It’s important, however, that we don’t name a winner but allow technologies to compete,” said Richardson.
According to Richardson, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions achieved in the agricultural sector – at least in Denmark – has been offset by the increase in cars, which is a somewhat hard-to-swallow fact for many professional groups.
“One thing that’s for certain is that the EU goal for reducing emissions by 80 to 95 percent by 2050 can only be reached if both the transport and agricultural sector are involved in the green transition,” said Richardson.
Cycling and public transport
Karin Gaardsted (Social Democrats, Denmark), deputy chair of the Nordic Council’s sustainability committee, highlighted the role of cyclists in countering the increase in the number of cars.
“It must be made easier, faster, and safer to commute by bike. Copenhagen aims to become the world’s most bike friendly city by 2020 and has made major investments in things like cycle super highways into the city from the suburbs,” said Gaardsted.
The President of the Nordic Council Michael Tetzschner (Conservative Party, Norway) called for a comprehensive assessment of various modes of transport, including the calculation of unit costs for each passenger.
“If people start cycling or walking, this is at the expense of public transport. The focus should be on encouraging people who make longer journeys by car to take public transport instead. Investments must be reasonable, and subsidies should fall within sensible limits,” said Tetzschner.
