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DaimlerChrysler and UNEP Stress the Importance of a Comprehensive Approach to Biofuels

DaimlerChrysler and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) have announced their joint commitment to ensuring the availability and sustainable use of biofuels. In their statement, they emphasized the importance of a consistent global system of laws, policies, regulations and standards to enure maximizing the benefit of such fuels.

The two made the declaration at the close of the fourth Magdeburg Environmental Forum, an event hosted by both entities as a venue for addressing the issue of sustainable mobility.

In order to effectively exploit resources in research and development in a way that ensures maximum benefits for our environment and for society, we need conclusive, harmonious laws and regulations that reach beyond international boundaries and across continents.

Discussions should not be restricted to fuel and emission limits, as comprehensive concepts are indispensable if fuel consumption and emissions are to be cut in a sustainable way.

To realize these aims, all of the parties involved will need to make significant contributions.

—Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the DaimlerChrysler Board of Management

The required work includes the development of low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles, availability of environmentally friendly fuels, driving behavior that conserves resources, and laws and regulations that will create suitable conditions overall—especially in the area of traffic infrastructure.

Together with other automakers and oil companies, UNEP and DaimlerChrysler intend to bring about an adjustment in fuel standards and the creation of appropriate incentives for the use of biofuels. Both said they would work to ensure the sustainable development of biofuel production. This will include launching an initiative for establishing a seal of sustainability for biomass.

We must develop leaner and cleaner drive systems alongside less polluting fuels and alternative modes of transport. But we can already now reduce harmful emissions from individual vehicle transport for example by using biofuel blends. Developing countries, such as Brazil, are already spearheading the way in this field.

—Prof. Klaus Töpfer, Executive Director of UNEP

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