On the occasion of the Danish EU Presidency the Danish Embassy organized a ‘Climate Race’ in and outside Beijing to promote green transportation and solutions and raise awareness of climate issues.
After gathering at the Embassy the 120 participants, including several Ambassadors and the Chinese actor Liu Ye, went on a bike ride together in the Sanlitun area. Later the same day a longer bike race with participants from local bicycle clubs and associations took place outside of Beijing.
“Having the world’s largest population together with a huge economic growth is putting pressure on China in order to meet the daily energy demand. I believe China can use the experience of Denmark to solve this challenge. In a Chinese way that is acceptable and attractive for China. Both countries believe that good energy policies can help us solve crucial environmental problems. Today, we go on a bike ride together because the bicycle has become an international symbol of sustainability,” said Danish Ambassador to China, Friis Arne Petersen.
In the weeks leading up to the Climate Race, the Embassy raised 30,000 RMB for local organizations working with environment advocacy. On Sunday 22 April, the first portion of the charity donation was given by the Ambassador to the NGO ‘Smarter than Cars’.
The famous Chinese actor, Liu Ye, was happy to help promote biking as an effective, healthy and green way of transportation.
“To combat climate change is a global issue but we need to start with our own actions. Protecting the earth and environment around us is a responsibility we all share,” said the Chinese actor.
Several Danish companies took part in the event supporting the good cause. Among them were Danish biotech company and main sponsor Novozymes and other companies and organizations such as Danfoss, COWI, Post Danmark, Visit Denmark, EU Montage, C.C.JENSEN and the Chinese bicycling companies Triace and Morestar. China Bicycle Association participated as partners on the event.
