Strasbourg, 20/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - The rail transport is aware that climate change could possibly affect the way in which it operates. Thus, the Community of European Railways (CER) is stepping up its collaboration with the European Commission and the United Nations to improve the rail sector's resistance to climate change, and has already begun discussions on the role of the railways in the Commission's next climate adaptation strategy. Publication of this document is expected in 2013.
At a workshop organised with the European Commission and the United Nations on 19 April, the CER provided an insight into future challenges and strategies for responding to extreme climate conditions. Collaboration is expected to focus primarily on translating funding opportunities within the next multiannual financial framework, adapting infrastructure and rolling stock standards, and further research in order to obtain more accurate weather forecasts, said the CER. (MD/transl.fl)