EU delegation commits to 

lower carbon emissions

The call from world leaders top lower if not totally stop carbon emissions resound here as Ambassador Franz Jessen led the conglomeration of states he represents, to convey the message to help counter climate change and to underscore European Union's commitment to lower carbon emissions. 

And the EU’s target is to bring down the carbon emissions by 40% in 2030, compared to 1990 levels. 

Together with First Secretary Jerome Riviere of the EU Delegation and Marc Rooijackers of the Asian Development Bank, Ambassador Jessen biked for 50 kilometers around Bohol this weekend along with local bikers. 

This was the first time that Ambassador Jessen biked in Bohol. 

Along with other ambassadors and diplomats, he previously biked more than 200 kilometers in Guimaras and in Palawan. 

To further stress the importance of the environment, Ambassador Jessen participated in the mangrove activity in Panglao. 

Aside from biking, Ambassador Jessen, met with Atty. Kathyrin Fe Pioquinto, administrative officer of office of Governor Arthur Yap and discussed vital issues about the province of Bohol. 

He also met with Tagbilaran Mayor Baba Yap and Bohol Governor Arthur Yap. 

In another bid to foster cultural understanding among nations, Riviere and Rooijackers conducted symposia about the EU at the Holy Name University. 

Riviere talked about EU PH relations with Political Science students of the university. 

The students and management of the University expressed interest in participating in the upcoming European Higher Education Fair. 

Riviere had a chance to see the quality products of Escuella Taller as he commended the institution for providing educational opportunities for the youth. 

Cycling Background 

Europeans regard cycling as the most energy efficient transport mode with a great potential to reduce energy consumption and to enhance the liveability of any city, municipality or province. 

It can also become a high impact measure to foster energy-efficient transport patterns in countries without an active or stable cycling culture. 

It introduced the concept of Velomai to highlight cycling as the best way to go to work from home. 

Cycling is the best way to exercise and to remain fit, and at the same time, it reduces pollution through noise and exhaust emissions, and reduces congestion problems. 

The concept of bicycles originated in European Union. 

The prototype of the bicycle was developed by French craftsman, Comte Mede De Sivrac in the 1790s while Baron Karl Drais Von Sauerbronn, a German nobleman patented his Draisine in 1817. 

The concept called bicycle evolved through the years until the current period. (PIABohol/PR) 

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen and First Secretary Jerome Riviere of the EU Delegation join Boholano bikers in planting mangroves and biking while visiting communities as they spread the campaign to reduce carbon emissions. (contributedphoto)