Cyclists go on a ride for the Climate Race in the outskirt of Beijing, Sunday, 22 April 2012. (Photo provided to Youth.cn)
Foreign ambassadors, Chinese actor Liu Ye and representatives from Danish companies showed up at the Climate Race, a bicycle ride hosted by the Danish Embassy in Beijing on Sunday to voice their support for environment protection and promotion of green travel.
More than 150 participants, including professional cyclists from local bicycle clubs, attended the race held in the Sanlitun area in downtown Beijing and a longer race in the outskirt of the capital.
"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, Friis Arne Petersen.
In the week leading up to the Climate Race, the Embassy raised 30,000 RMB for local emvironmental organizations. The first sum of the charity donation was given to the NGO 'Smarter than Cars.'
Famous Chinese actor, Liu Ye, was happy to help promote bicycling as effective, healthy and green way of daily travel. “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,” he said.
Eight Danish companies took part in the event.
Denmark sits the presidency of European Union for the first half of year 2012.
Danish Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen (L) speaks at the ceremony of the Climate Race event in Beijing, 22 April 2012. (Photo provided to Youth.cn)
Chinese actor Liu Ye speaks at the ceremony of the Climate Race event in Beijing, 22 April 2012. (Photo provided to Youth.cn)
