2015 Paris Climate Conference - COP21, IFSTTAR takes action
Climate change is a reality and without doubt one of the major challenges facing humanity. All sectors of activity are concerned, either directly or indirectly. In view of the tasks that were assigned to it when it was set up in 2011, IFSTTAR is involved in more than one respect. This means it is a central part of the Institute’s scientific strategy for the next ten years, which was drawn up in 2012. This strategy is organised around four cross-cutting scientific challenges:
- Inventing sustainable transport and mobility
- Adapting infrastructures
- Controlling natural hazards and our environmental impacts
- Thinking and planning the cities and regions of the future
This scientific strategy has given rise to a large amount of research that sets out to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, limit energy consumption and adapt to climate change. Its multidisciplinary nature means that IFSTTAR is able simultaneously to tackle technological problems and issues that relate to behaviours and practices. This cross-cutting approach is necessary in view of the challenges and leads IFSTTAR to form partnerships to take its work further.
In addition to its expertise in areas related to transport, urban areas and natural hazards, IFSTTAR applies innovative scientific methods which take the form of novel digital tools, major facilities, experimental sites, analysis platforms, simulators and instrumented vehicles, etc.
Climate change is a complex process, with global and local effects, that requires the involvement of all players. IFSTTAR intends to play a full part in ongoing deliberations and take part in the debates which are being organised around COP 21.
IFSTTAR have already taken the opportunity to register
as supporters of PIANC’s ‘Think Climate’ coalition
By Hélène Le Du, policy officer with responsibility for forecasting at IFSTTAR’s Scientific.
