Ecomobility

The EcoMobility website has been launched, complete with information about the EcoMobility Alliance, opportunities to collaborate, a growing collection of relevant documents concerning EcoMobility, up-to-date congress information, and regularly updated news briefs on the upcoming EcoMobility Changwon 2011 as well as the latest EcoMobility developments around the world. The speakers' corner on the website provides a discussion area for visitors to exchange ideas and discuss a multitude of EcoMobility topics. Visit now and check back regularly for the latest news updates, publications, and congress information!

Seize this unique opportunity to present your work and product, and interact directly with international experts in the field of EcoMobility. The Marketplace space at EcoMobility Changwon 2011 will serve to provide visuals and facilitate interaction by displaying videos and images of various EcoMobility projects and encouraging participants to talk to experts, producers, and service providers. Congress participants can also build on direct contacts to create partnerships and induce future projects at the Marketplace.

Director of 8-80 Cities, Gil Peñalosa, will be the open the EcoMobility Changwon 2011 congress by speaking about how EcoMobility is essential to the livelihood and sustainability of a city. During a talk in Vancouver he said: “We are now facing a 'perfect storm' of increasing global warming and environmental degradation, growing traffic congestion, an obesity crisis and other public health concerns, soaring energy costs and slowing economic growth. It is time to go beyond baby steps and take some major leaps. We must re-position walking and cycling as key parts of the solution to these major challenges. As Bogota has shown, creating great public spaces for walking and cycling contributes enormously to creating healthier, happier, more thriving communities.”

Due to high levels of car use, Adelaide is working to relieve congestion and pollution by improving public transportation options. The city recently extended the tram network and is working to improve usage as well as promote walking and cycling. Mayor Stephen Yarwood will speak about Adelaide's progress and accomplishments at EcoMobility Changwon 2011, in his presentation, "Preparing an Integrated Movement Strategy to promote a less car-dependent city."

Melbourne Councillor Brian Shanahan will be among the city officials speaking at EcoMobility Changwon 2011. Melbourne has an extensive public transportation system which features the largest tram network in the world. Now the city is working to integrate its various forms of public transit with one another, as well as with other modes such as bicycling. Slightly over a year ago the first public bicycle sharing system in Australia was launched in Melbourne. The city is developing a new transport authority is that will plan, coordinate, manage, and administer all forms of public transportation, thus moving toward seamless transfer schedules that promote intermodality.

In a committed effort to reduce carbon emissions, Suwon City, Korea is establishing a green traffic system. The city set a target of greenhouse gas emission reduction through government administration with cooperation and participation of citizens. This initiative included the introduction of over 1,000 natural gas busses as well as operation of the first electric bus in Korea. City officials also plan to build pedestrian trails and theme roads that attract pedestrians starting in 2012, as well as bike trails as a first step toward establishing a bike culture. This multifaceted approach to EcoMobility will be presented by Suwon City Mayor Yeom Tae-Young at EcoMobility Changwon 2011.

ICLEI member Seoul, Korea has been striving for EcoMobility by promoting public transportation, transportation demand management through congrestion charges, and moving toward a clean public transportation fleet. The introduction of the bus rapid transit system and the subsequent clean-vehicle conversion of the fleet had reduced air pollution in the city. Mayor Oh Se-hoon will present Seoul's sustainable transportation achievements at EcoMobility Changwon 2011.