COP24: the takeaways for Europe

Our thanks to all who participated in this event!

About the event

The 24th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP24) successfully concluded in Katowice in December 2018 with the adoption of a clear rulebook to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change. The EU plays an instrumental role in climate diplomacy and pushed for higher ambition in making the Paris Agreement operational. Furthermore, just before COP24, the Commission adopted a vision for a climate-neutral Europe by mid-century.

So what were the main COP24 takeaways for Europe? How will they impact the EU's strategy for long-term emission reductions? And knowing that transport emissions are such an important part of the climate problem, how can rail help be part of the climate solution?

On Tuesday, 29 January 2019 CER explored these questions and more during an event co-organised with Dutch Railways NS and kindly hosted by the Dutch Permanent Representation to the EU. DG CLIMA's Stefaan Vergote kicked off the event with a debrief from COP24, NS CEO Roger van Boxtel highlighted the crucial role railways should play, including some inspiring green initiatives implemented by NS, and the two were joined by the European Climate Foundation's Pete Harrison to continue the discussion in a high-level panel debate.