While the NSR deals with the effects of climate change, transport-related CO2 emissions continue to increase. We face an urgent need to develop and implement carbon reduction strategies and to secure an ongoing energy supply for transport. The NSR has a huge potential for innovative transport strategies which could improve the economic performance of its regions and cities in a post-fossil economy (see Lisbon Agenda).

Transnational collaboration will be used in terms of building political support and momentum, as well as in concrete terms of establishing uniform standards and infrastructure across the region. CARE-North has developed and plans to implement, innovative carbon reduction strategies for urban and regional transport in order to maintain and improve accessibility in a more carbon-responsible way and overall make the NSR a leader in carbon-efficient accessibility.

Aim
To develop a comprehensive, strategic and practical approach to urban and regional transport/accessibility in the North Sea Region in the context of climate change and declining oil supplies. After developing CO2 reduction strategies for transport (phase one), the project will begin implementation of short-term actions and will calculate the potential of long-term actions as lighthouse/pilot actions. The project will compare the process transnationally, with cities/regions sharing the hands-on knowledge and experience gained through their local projects to provide valuable input for framework setting at the European and national levels, thus bridging the gap between policy, research and practical application by end users.

Background
While the North Sea Region deals with the effects of climate change, the traditional understanding of transport is leading to a continued increase in CO2 emissions, which undermines other climate protection efforts. These factors demand a re-thinking of the concept of "transport" that is (building more road transport infrastructure) to a broader notion of "accessibility" (citizens' ability to meet their daily social, health, personal and economic needs safely, comfortably and conveniently). The theme of transport is however a politically and economically sensitive one and requires pioneers to lead the way toward low-carbon accessibility.

• Development of a "Joint political memorandum" of the CARE-North partner sites. Presentation of the CARE-North philosophy in an appropriate way - on Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (e.g. in joint action with GTZ), December 2009 - to North Sea Commission / Sustainable Development Group,
• Increased knowledge and experience necessary for the large-scale introduction of electric vehicles,
• Found a solid knowldege base for further activities in partner cities and beyond and accelerate the development, introduction and market acceptability of electric vehicles.