(COP28) Feature: Chinese electric buses "driving" climate action at COP28
DUBAI, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Outside Dubai's Expo 2020 Metro Station, a bustling crowd rushed toward the just-arrived shuttle buses to escape the scorching sun. They were among the over 80,000 attendees of the ongoing COP28 climate change conference held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The venue of COP28, or the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, is divided into two zones -- the Blue Zone, where formal climate negotiations are taking place and only those with permissions can enter, and the Green Zone, which is open to all those concerned about climate change.
Despite it being December, Dubai's temperatures can reach 30 degrees Celsius at noon. COP28 attendees are hastening their steps, desperate to cool themselves down by hopping onto a shuttle bus, one of the most preferred modes of commute between the Green Zone and the metro station.
Emblazoned with the slogan "Driving Climate Action," the buses designated for the conference are painted with bright colors, mainly blue or green, to promote eco-consciousness. Notably, some of these buses are pure electric vehicles from China.
"The weather in Dubai is always scorching, and the bus provides a comfortable ride experience," said Mechack Isoposo from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the visitors to the Green Zone. He hailed the electric shuttle buses as "a real action to cope with climate change."
Isoposo was pleasantly surprised at riding a bus manufactured by King Long, one of China's leading bus makers. He excitedly shared that he looks forward to visiting China someday to learn more about its electric vehicles.
To better serve the conference, the pure electric bus is specially designed to adapt to the climate conditions in the UAE. It has been equipped with an enhanced air conditioner for a better cooling effect, a larger-capacity battery, and a specific anti-collision system.
Takashi Sonoda, a Japanese delegate aboard the bus, said he has been deeply impressed by China's achievements in the electric car and renewable energy sectors.
This is the second consecutive year King Long's Higer electric buses have served the UN climate change conference.
Last year, 30 Higer electric buses provided exceptional service for COP27 in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, clocking up 45,000 km and transporting 300,000 passengers.
Feng Lu, who is in charge of Higer's international branding, said Chinese brands, particularly in the new energy vehicle sector, are increasingly participating in global events.
She believed that Chinese carmakers could make significant contributions to global energy conservation and environmental protection.
In addition to Higer, electric buses from other Chinese automakers such as Yutong and BYD are also busy ferrying COP28 attendees. Together, they account for more than half of the total pure electric shuttle buses serving the conference.
Amna Arshad, a Pakistani delegate, boarded the Higer bus after completing a side event with Chinese delegates at the Green Zone.
Arshad commended the Chinese delegates for providing valuable climate-related ideas and experiences at COP28, from which she benefitted greatly.
She praised China's effective climate actions, especially by leading the production and sales of new energy vehicles, adding that she "eagerly anticipates more climate solutions from China."
