[sustran] Re: The next WBCSD Mobility study: "Some Cognitive Dissonance direct from Third World Cities"

[mobility]

world bank is not involved in this report and has indicated that they would be
happy if we are quite critical.

pendakur wrote:

> My reading of the report confirms that it is full of generalities that can
> be argued in any way they wish.  In addition, I am unable to capture the
> main thrust of this report.
>
> I am also not sure as to what the next steps are.
>
> Where can we take this to?  Who are the main proponents of this study in the
> WB or other agencies?  Is this John Flora and company again?  Richard
> Scurfield is back with this group as coordinator for urban transport and
> this could be a good thing.  Richard is accessible and willing to listen.
>
> Best wishes.  setty.
>
> Dr. V. Setty Pendakur
> Professor Emeritus (Planning) & Adjunct Professor,
> University of British Columbia; and
> President
> Pacific Policy and Planning Associates
> 1099 Marinaside Crescent--#702
> Vancouver, BC, Canada  V6Z 2Z3
> Phone:1-604-263-3576; Fax:1-604-263-6493
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "mobility" <mobility at igc.org>
> To: <sustran-discuss at jca.ax.apc.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2001 8:36 AM
> Subject: [sustran] Re: The next WBCSD Mobility study: "Some Cognitive
> Dissonance direct from Third World Cities"
>
> > thanks, John, Eric, others,
> >
> > for the various comments on the WBCSD report.  So far, very few of the
> comments
> > were actually on the report, but were focused on the 'process'.
> >
> > i take this as an indication that most of you, like me, found the report a
> > pretty dull and muddled read, and difficult to sink one's teeth into.
> >
> > I do think we need to comment on how this document and the process of the
> WBCSD
> > Mobility 21 dialogs around the world fed into this report, and the purpose
> of
> > this report in the broader scheme of things..
> >
> > I doubt the WBCSD is going to go for a process that ceeds control over how
> their
> > donated money will be spent, ie. by reducing their influence on the
> steering
> > committee.  Furthermore, given the numerous other forums, (UN CSD 9,
> Habitat II,
> > Earth Summit, Global Road Safety Initiative, GITE, Shell's forums, Forums
> > discussing the World Bank Urban Transport Policy, etc. etc. etc.) where
> the
> > influence of these corporations is more checked, do we really want to
> suggest
> > big auto and big oil initiate a broader dialog w/ stakeholders on this
> topic,
> > when such stakeholder dialogs have already been held through UN-based
> > institutions, with prescious little effect?
> >
> > Given none of us were able to even read the document through, let alone
> take
> > from it any powerful or compelling message, i think their efforts'
> greatest risk
> > is irrelevance.
> >
> > I think we need to propose something that is appropriate for big auto and
> big
> > oil to do to reform themeselves to prepare for a post-auto and post-oil
> > dominated economy, something that will really make these companies think
> about
> > how to use their massive investment capital in a way that brings about
> this
> > transition, while saving their bacon.
> >
> > They probably should have started with a hard headed analysis of the oil
> and
> > auto markets in the future, and given us some indication of where these
> are
> > really going.  They should have this data inside their corporations, and
> it
> > would have been interesting to know how these companies viewed the future.
> >
> > I'm drafting something to this effect but will look at your further
> thoughts
> > after the Thanksgiving holidays.
> >
> > best
> > Walter Hook
> >
> > > Earlier references here: Walter Hook, Kisan Mehta, John Whitelegg,
> Matthias
> > > Mueth
> > >
> > > Dear Friends,
> > >
> > > Very very interesting.  I think that maybe we should put our heads
> together
> > > and see if we might offer these kind folks (the WBSC) not just a report
> on
> > > this or that, but rather get off and running with another, altogether
> > > different PROCESS.
> > >
> > >
> >