Major international TV campaign invites consumers to use public transport and help combat climate change

Brussels, Belgium – In Monaco, the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2008-02-21 launched a joint television campaign to encourage individuals to take public transport – a mobility choice that can help reduce the carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.

Carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the greenhouse gases, strongly contributes to climate change. Most CO2 comes from fossil fuel combustion. With 95% of transport’s energy derived from this source, transport is a major emitter of CO2.

Some 50% of all urban trips are under 5 km. By taking public transport instead of the car for some of these trips, motorists can play an important role in reducing the negative impact on our environment.

“We know that many urban inhabitants are aware that climate change is a growing issue and are concerned about the next generation,” stated Mr Rat, UITP Secretary General. “We want to make them aware that their transport choices can make a difference in the fight against climate change. We want to empower them to make the right decision.”

The advertisement, called ‘The voice of reason (Aged 6)’, is in the style of a child’s drawing and views the world through a little girl’s eyes. This gives it an emotional appeal and a voice of hope for the future. It signs off with the message, ‘The world is your home. Look after it.’

The advertisement was officially launched today at the UNEP Tenth Special Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum. It is the second joint animation that UITP and UNEP have made and it is one of the first contributions to UNEP’s recently launched Climate Neutral Network.

Available in English, French, German and Spanish and produced by McCann Erickson – it will run across major international stations, including BBC World, CNN, EuroNews, CNBC, Sky News, Bloomberg, Eurosport, Fashion TV and E! Entertainment. These stations have all kindly donated airtime. Additionally the spot is available on a free-to-air basis for local adaptation and use thanks to the generosity of McCann Erickson and the animation company Tandem.

The internet version of the advertisement is available on: www.uitp.org/theworldisyourhome

UITP is the international network for public transport authorities and operators, policy decision-makers, scientific institutes and the public transport supply and service industry. It is a platform for worldwide co-operation, business development and the sharing of know-how between its 3,100 members from 90 countries. UITP is the global advocate for public transport and sustainable mobility, and the promoter of innovations in the sector.