UNIS/VIC/154
13 July 2007
Solar Taxi Visits United Nations in Vienna on its Way Around the World
VIENNA, 13 July (UN Information Service) -- The "Solar Taxi", a solar-powered two-seater, stopped at the United Nations in Vienna today, on its
tour around the world. Its driver, the Swiss national Louis Palmer, presented his vehicle, saying that his message was that "it is possible to make a difference" against climate change. Mr. Palmer was welcomed to the United Nations in Vienna by Harald Egerer, Head, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional Office for Europe, Vienna Office. The Solar Taxi began its tour around the world on 3 July in Lucerne, Switzerland, and will be passing through five continents over a period of 16 months. "I want to be the first to drive a solar-powered vehicle around the world, a vehicle that is climate-neutral and uses no fossil fuels. Along the way, I will visit people who are looking for solutions to global warming," said Mr. Palmer.
The recent reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and UNEP's Global Outlook on Ice and Snow show the urgent need to find solutions to climate change phenomena through improved use of energy and new technologies for reducing carbon emissions. UNEP promotes public awareness of the issue of climate change, seeking solutions to address this global challenge.
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For information contact:
Sonja
Wintersberger
UNIS Vienna
Tel: (+ 43-1) 260 60 3430
E-mail:
sonja.wintersberger@unvienna.org
Clara
Nobbe
United Nations Environment Programme - Vienna, ISCC
Vienna International Centre
Tel: (+ 43-1) 260 60 4326
E-mail:
clara.nobbe@unvienna.org
