A fleet of electric vehicles from the Renault-Nissan Alliance is shuttling United Nations delegates at its Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, the world's largest environmental summit.
The conference, which runs from June 13-22, marks the first time the UN will use a dedicated zero-emission car fleet for shuttling its delegates.
More than 50,000 delegates, including 400 from the UN, are expected to attend the summit -- nicknamed "Rio+20" -- to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the United Nations' Earth Summit in Rio, where countries agreed to a blueprint for economic growth, social equity and environmental protection.
"One important subject of Rio+20 is the 'sustainable city,' and zero-emission vehicles can be an integral part ensuring quality of life in urban areas," said Kathleen Adballa, Chief of the organization and logistics of Rio+20 at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. "We are glad to have zero-emission vehicles added to our fleet. In this way, we can see and demonstrate how EVs can reduce noise pollution and eliminate tailpipe emissions. In Brazil, where most electricity is generated from renewable and local sources, electric vehicles are an excellent low carbon transport option."
Kathleen Abdalla is Chief of the organization and logistics of Rio+20 at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Thanks to her, the EVs from the Renault-Nissan Alliance are part of the official UN shuttle service at Rio+20.
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