E D I T O R I A L
The goal of the symbolic trip is to enable people concerned about climate change to participate in the convention in Kyoto while minimizing the emissions of greenhouse gases caused by the journey itself. Some 1,500 delegates travel to every big Climate Convention meeting, most of them by air, contributing substantially to the problem they're trying to solve, explains Ben Matthews from Scientists for Global Responsibility, University of East Anglia, England, who is coordinating the "Climate Train" along with Britta Copy who represents Action for Solidarity Equality in Environment and Development (ASEED). By taking the boat and train, Matthews and Copy estimate that their travels should result in about 1/3 of the CO2 emissions compared to travel by air.
"This will demonstrate that we take the problem seriously, it will provoke discussion, and it will set an example for others to follow," said Matthews. And others are following. "Over 100 people from 15 countries are now involved in various ways. And interest is growing rapidly," added Matthews.
Along the route, the Climate Train plans to meet with Russian and Chinese climate scientists and campaigners. "We have good contacts in Russia and are already planning conferences in Moscow, Novosibirsk, and probably Beijing," said Matthews. Setting out on train from Moscow on November 12, the group will reach Novosibirsk in two days Ñ the largest city in Siberia, close to many fossil fuel installations. After participating in a climate change conference there, which will be a unique event in Siberia, it's off to Beijing by train for another conference, from where they'll head for Japan by ferry, in time for the Kyoto conference which runs from December 11-12. In Kyoto, travelers will have the chance to participate in both the official Convention and an NGO conference being organized in parallel.
Matthews also believes that the ride will provide a good opportunity to discuss and publicize climate issues, particularly related to Siberia and to air transport, in the critical two weeks just before Kyoto.