International Symposium (hybrid event) “Transforming Mobility for Humanity”

Scope of Symposium

Mobility is an indispensable element of humanity, as human life and livelihoods are greatly dependent on efficient and safe mobility. While modern transport systems have contributed to remarkable industrial development and economic growth in most parts of the world throughout the 20th century, too many lives have been lost due to various unintended consequences. All over the world, a total of around 1.35 million people die each year because of traffic accidents, and another 50 million people are seriously injured. Meanwhile, air pollution causes over 6.5 million deaths each year globally, one key cause of which is vehicle emissions. Also, transportation is undeniably a major source of greenhouse gas emissions that are responsible for climate crisis and also contribute to the spread of pandemics.
 
As catastrophic changes to the global climate become a real possibility with existential consequences for humanity, mobility must be transformed. The main sources of emissions are rapidly growing in mega-cities in Asian and African emerging economies. The Club of Rome report “The Limits to Growth” warned in 1972 that food and other resources would not catch up with the exponentially growing population. Likewise, transport infrastructure supply today cannot catch up with rapidly growing motorization. Similarly, technological innovations in developed countries do not always work. We are hence in dire need of substantial behavioral transformation.
 
To commemorate and reflect on the 50th anniversary of The Club of Rome’s 1^st Report “The Limits to Growth,” this international symposium focuses on critical issues and policy options that aim to transform mobility, so that humans can escape eventual extinction while still leading worthy and meaningful lives.