Rail operators Eurostar, NS and Avanti West Coast have teamed up to operate a ‘Climate Train’ between the Netherlands and Scotland for people attending the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow.
Official delegations from the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Germany, as well as MEPs and NGOs such as Friends of the Earth and Oxfam, travelled on the service this weekend which was arranged by the three operators in collaboration with ProRail and Youth for Sustainable Travel.
The organisers said a passenger’s carbon footprint from one flight between Amsterdam and London is the equivalent of seven Eurostar journeys on the route, while a flight between London and Glasgow also has an environmental impact equivalent to almost seven train journeys.
Executive vice president of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, said: “Taking the train to the climate summit in Glasgow is without a doubt the most climate friendly way for delegations to travel there. The train is sustainable and provides plenty of comfort, whether you travel for work or for pleasure. Moreover, inside Europe, the train is fast becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for flying, especially on shorter distances.“
UK rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Our railways are one of the most sustainable ways for people to travel. As we host the world at COP26, I’m proud that our railway is playing its part in the fight against climate change. We are committed to achieving a net zero rail network by 2050, ensuring our railways continue to play a pivotal role in enabling greener, cleaner journeys for passengers.”
Jacques Damas, chief executive officer, Eurostar added: "Pre-pandemic, demand for international high-speed rail had grown consistently across two decades, as passengers increasingly recognise the benefits of train versus plane. As an industry, our challenge is to take this further, helping our customers lower their carbon footprint as we invest in routes, timetables and a seamless customer experience. The Climate Train is a symbol of partnership between rail operators and a show of commitment to meet growing customer expectations when it comes to sustainable travel. "
The initiative was also supported by CER - the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies, EIM - European Rail Infrastructure Managers, and UIC - the International Union of Railways, as part of the EU Year of Rail.
The 2021 UN Climate Change Conference takes place in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November, with Wednesday 10 November devoted to transport and driving the global transition to zero emissions.