Climate change degrading World Heritage Sites, says UN

MORE than 30 natural and cultural heritage sites from 29 countries across the globe are becoming vulnerable because of the dangerous effects of climate change. Increasing temperature, sea water levels, intense weather conditions, flood and famine, and wildfires are the side effects of the climate change, which directly or indirectly are damaging the structures of 31 World Heritage Sites, which include Venice, Galapagos Islands, and Stonehenge, says the United Nations (UN). 

Elisa Tonda, head of the UN Environment Programme, says: ‘World governments, the private sector, and tourists all need to co-ordinate their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and to protect the world’s most treasured cultural and natural resources from the impact of tourism activities.’

A report by the UNESCO and the Union of Concerned Scientists says that some of the Easter Island statues are at high risk of disappearing into the sea, and that many coral reefs in the western Pacific are eroding.

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Virgin Trains signs up to climate change campaign

VIRGIN TRAINS has signed a pledge to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global targets to limit climate change.

The Railway Climate Responsibility Pledge is being presented at the United Nations Climate Summit in Paris this month by the International Union of Railways (UIC).

A ‘Train to Paris 2015’ campaign by the UIC is promoting trains as one of the most energy efficient modes of transport, but acknowledges the responsibility of the industry to make further improvements.

David Horne, managing director for Virgin Trains on the east coast, signed the pledge. It commits the business to: reducing specific energy consumption and CO2 emissions; stimulating shifts to rail in national and international markets; communicating climate-friendly initiatives undertaken by the company; and reporting data on energy consumption regularly to the UIC.

Horne said: ‘As a member of the UIC, it is very important for us to make this commitment to help reduce our energy consumption. Though rail travel is one of the most efficient in terms of emissions, we will continue to work with our partners and stakeholders to improve things further and contribute to the UIC’s global targets to reduce and prevent climate change.’

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