This week, the world’s foremost scientists, academics, businesses, NGOs and governments have descended on Paris for the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21).
Also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, nations hope to secure a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C.
There are high hopes for this conference, not least because a year ago at COP20, countries were not able to come to agreement on some of the most pressing issues. This year though, optimism is high as more governments than ever realize the importance of addressing humanity’s environmental impact.
Gemalto is playing its part in COP21, by delivering 27,000 special edition transport passes to the Syndicat des Transport d’Ile de France, the public authority for the region. The STIF have issued these passes to all delegates, granting them free access to the entire public transport network of the Ile-de-France region (which includes Paris) for the duration of the conference.
As public transport is so much more environmentally friendly than cars, it is hoped that many delegates will ignore taxis, and hop on the subway or buses to get to their meetings. Plus, by taking public transport, they’ll be helping to preserve the air quality of the city.
The limited edition transport cards are based on the Navigo artwork owned by the STIF, and designed by famous French designer Philippe Stark. The cards incorporate the COP21 logo, a tree leaf surrounding the Eiffel Tower.
These transport passes also represent a first for Gemalto, being the first time a single Gemalto product has been issued to people coming from every country in the world.
If you’re interested in following COP21, you can visit the official website here. No doubt the discussions will be fascinating, and we’ve all crossed our fingers for a positive outcome.
