In Mayor Clover Moore's welcome she says,
| Like other world cities, Sydney is grappling with the challenges posed by climate change and the opportunities these challenges offer to re-invent our cities in exciting and sustainable ways. |
So it is interesting to note some of the optional tours being offered to delegates, eg, Harley Davidson tours, Jet boat, and sea plane tours. Obviously these are being offered to those delegates disinterested in climate change and sustainability.
And, while lip service is being paid to the use of public transport, it is interesting that public transport is not listed as a way to get around the various sites, eg, coach transfer to The Rocks, coach transfer to the Zoo, coach transfer to the Harbour Bridge, coach transfer to the Opera House. For heaven's sake, all these places are quite easy to access by public transport, walking and cycling! Fancy not recommending the ferry to get to the zoo, I mean, the views you get from the ferry alone are worth every cent even if you live in Sydney! And, God forbid, these exalted delegates might even get a chance to experience what it's like to catch a train, a bus, or a ferry in a city.
Why have this sort of talk fest if the people talking don't experience the day-to-day reality of living in a city?
2 comments:
Pedaller, glad to have your interest in Metropolis Congress 2008 which will provide leaders of the world's cities and companies an important forum to share experience and discuss critical issues such as climate change and sustainability.
You will be pleased to note that Climate Friendly, owner of the Pedapods you so highly approve, are responsible for the event and delegates offset strategy.
Do check back in a couple of days to find:
1. all delegates transferred by boat to social functions
2. all accompanying persons travelling by ferry to Taronga Zoo.
Furthermore, I implore you to click through to the program page of the website to learn of the eminent global experts that will share their experience on how to implement and manage a cities response to climate change.
Cycling, clearly a passion of yours, will also feature in the program with the Metropolis Non-Motorised Transport Training Seminar: Public Bicycle Systems session on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21October.
You can also download the latest Congress research in which a nouvea suggestion is made that considering buildings contribute around 30% of greenhouse emissions, perhaps we consider ways to use office space more effectively.
So you see, representatives of world cities are coming to discuss their experience on contemporary issues - an important moment to stop and reflect on planning and future directions. It is not that cutting one jet boat ride will solve the problem. But delegates with the political and commercial resolve to effect a change and inspire their populous will.
We hope to see you there. You can even attend without charge as Metropolis Congress 2008 will host a free, open forum for the public to engage with the topics discussed in the formal program at the Agora. To be held on Friday 24 and Saturday 25, the Agora will provide a forum to hear from the world leaders and experts on key congress issues. Cycle on down and we’ll see you for the climate change session on Saturday 25.
www.metropoliscongress2008.com
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