The climate emergency is the single biggest issue of our time – it is a ‘code red’ moment for humanity.
This is critical at both organisational and individual level; the COP26 summit in Glasgow may be the last opportunity to bring the need for immediate change into sharp focus for decision makers across the world.
Translink was delighted to be chosen to present in the COP26 Green Zone on Wednesday 3rd November, focusing on ‘Translink’s Transformative Journey to Decarbonise Public Transport in Northern Ireland’, joining a selected group from across the world to showcase our actions and contribute to conversations on tackling climate change.
Public transport is essential to any Net Zero programme and it is vital to make a modal shift to public transport as the best way to take individual climate action while freeing up space in our cities and urban areas for people and active travel, creating cleaner air to breathe and healthier places to live, work and visit.
Translink has ambitious plans to operate a fully decarbonised bus and rail network by 2040, becoming Climate Positive by 2050. We have already introduced the first hydrogen buses on the island of Ireland and with a further 100 locally-built Zero Emission electric and hydrogen buses due to start arriving soon, Translink will have the 4th largest zero emission bus fleet in the UK during 2022.
We are also rolling out additional capacity on our railway network, and planning for a zero emission rail fleet in the years ahead. We are also participating in the All-Island Strategic Railway Review and looking at potential expansion and enhancement of the network.
Climate change is everyone’s business and we want to work with all stakeholders to accelerate action and build back better for a more sustainable future, unlocking inclusive, greener growth for all.
We would ask everyone, whether individuals, businesses or community organisations, to consider what positive changes they can make in the weeks and months ahead, for our planet’s sake – #LetsChangeTogether.
You can catch Translink’s COP26 presentation virtually by subscribing to the COP26 YouTube channel and learn more about what Translink are doing at www.translink.co.uk/letschangetogether