With a Factor 8 to the Mobility System of the Future

Climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate action. Professor Cathy Macharis of the VUB proposes a concrete and sustainable mobility plan to meet climate goals, emphasizing the need for a change in mentality and a comprehensive plan of action. Technology alone cannot solve the problem, and urgent but achievable change is necessary.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2023
Publisher: Stichting Kunstboek BVBA

Climate change is an undeniable reality that we are currently facing. It is imperative that we acknowledge the increasingly urgent alarm bells ringing in our ears and take decisive action to address this pressing issue. The impact of unbridled greenhouse gas emissions has been extensively proven and quantifiably measurable, encompassing the warming of the atmosphere and oceans, alterations in precipitation patterns, an increase in storm activity, and the rapid acidification of our oceans.

We cannot afford to remain oblivious to these realities any longer. The time for wishful thinking and procrastination is over. If we truly care about leaving a sustainable legacy for future generations, we must act immediately and implement a comprehensive plan of action.

One prominent voice in this regard is Cathy Macharis, a professor of Sustainable Mobility and Logistics at the VUB. In her insightful analysis, she identifies the challenge of meeting the climate goals, which require a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by a factor of 8. Prof. Macharis translates this ambitious target into a concrete and sustainable mobility plan that is accessible to everyone and requires their active participation.

The magnitude of the task at hand is daunting, but it is important to recognize that technology alone cannot solve the problem. We need a holistic approach that encompasses a change in mentality, societal awareness, and collective action.

In her book "8 A's a (Awareness, Avoidance, Act and Shift, Anticipation, Acceleration, Actor involvement, Alteration and All in love!)," Prof. Macharis proposes a comprehensive plan of action that starts with a shift in mindset. She advocates for urgent but achievable change, devoid of finger-pointing, hysteria, or the pessimism that often permeates the climate debate. Instead, she offers a positive and proactive vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of individual and collective responsibility in addressing climate change.

The plan outlined in "8 A's a" encompasses various strategies, including awareness-raising campaigns, the promotion of sustainable transportation options, the adoption of renewable energy sources, and the implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms. It recognizes that climate change is a global issue that requires collaboration and international cooperation.

Moreover, the plan emphasizes the importance of individual actions and choices. By making conscious choices in our daily lives, such as reducing our carbon footprint, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable practices, we can contribute to the collective effort to combat climate change.

In conclusion, climate change is a pressing concern that demands our immediate attention. We cannot afford to ignore the alarm bells ringing in our ears any longer. By adopting a comprehensive and sustainable mobility plan, fostering a change in mentality, and promoting collective action, we can mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and create a better future for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 170 x 240 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789058567017