“In a Decarbonized World, Will Freedom of Mobility Be Affordable to a Happy Few Only?”
During the first Freedom of Mobility Forum digital event held on March 29, 2023, an international panel of global experts debated the facts, challenges and solutions for preserving freedom of movement for all in the context of climate change and a decarbonized world.
If you missed the live event, be sure to watch the replay below!
Introduction
Introduction
The Freedom of Mobility Forum is designed to provide a public forum for debate that allows experts to bring fact-based perspectives to the table to spark a dialogue and drive insights and possible solutions on how to protect our collective freedom of mobility, while simultaneously mitigating climate change.
Led by Event Facilitator Cecilia Edwards from Wavestone, the panelists represented different geographic regions and stakeholder groups, including academia, climate experts, civil society and NGOs, youth, labor and social dialogue and business.
Understanding the Facts
Understanding the Facts
During the first round, the debaters tackled the following questions:
- What is the real cost of individual and collective mobility?
- How does socioeconomic and geographic status impact access to mobility?
- How does the concept of freedom of mobility vary around the world?
Discussing the Challenges
Discussing the Challenges
During the second round, the debate focused on the following topics:
- Is there a potential right balance between traveling faster and farther? And at what cost for the people and for the planet?
- How do the actions of the happy few impact the freedom of mobility of others?
- Is universal freedom of mobility desirable?
Exploring the Solutions
Exploring the Solutions
In the final round, the discussion centered around potential solutions to making freedom of mobility affordable to the largest number of people possible.
- Individual CO2 emissions quotas for mobility and consumption
- The influence of government policies on the accessibility and affordability of mobility in the long-term
- The different means of standard mobility accessible to all
Q&A and Conclusions
Q&A and Conclusions
Lively exchanges, insightful and constructive views from the panelists animated the debate.
With all participants clearly sharing a passion to preserve freedom of mobility for everyone, each contributed a unique perspective and insights.
There are potential solutions capable of addressing both decarbonization and affordability at the same time. By working to collectively develop solutions that are inclusive of the different perspectives and the needs that exist across the world, and then enabling local adaptations and implementations that serve the needs of specific communities, we can achieve the collective goal of freedom of mobility for many more than a happy few.
Full Replay and Event Transcript
The 2023 Panelists
Benjamin Welle
Director, Integrated Transport & Innnovation
WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
