The robust market for worldwide rail projects is a positive development in the fight against global warming. When completed, major rail projects in China, India, France and Germany will help to reduce carbon emissions and give residents an opportunity to help in the fight against climate change.

Bombardier Transportation has placed its imprint on this campaign by creating a Website emphasizing the idea that trains are a sustainable transportation platform. The site is called “The Climate Is Right for Trains” and is located at www.theclimateisrightfortrains.com.

The Website offers information on the benefits of passenger rail in the areas of the environment, productivity, mobility and traffic congestion, as well as its social and economic benefits.

Among the many sources cited by the Website is the Railway Association of Canada, which states that commuter trains generate only one-quarter as much greenhouse gas emissions as urban automobiles per passenger mile traveled.

The Website also cites a study prepared by the Community European Railway and Infrastructure Companies and the International Union of Railways that states that rail transportation is between three and 10 times more energy-efficient than a car.

“The world is facing a sustainability challenge,” said William Spurr, president of Bombardier Transportation, North America, during a recent press briefing. He cited statistics that suggest that the world population will increase by 50% by the year 2050, reaching 9 billion.

In addition, energy consumption will increase by 80%, “unless we do something about it,” Spurr said.

“Rail is considered one of the most sustainable [transportation modes] due to its low energy consumption,” Spurr said. “We can contribute to a healthy environment.”