Taking the climate train

Time-frame: The train set off from Cape Town and reached Durban on November 27 in time for the start of the UN climate conference the following day.
Route: From Durban, the train is to continue its journey through the country. In total, it will visit 17 small towns and villages.
Organizers: The Gauteng department of agriculture and rural development, Indalo Yethu (an agency of the Department of Environmental Affairs implementing education awareness programs), the German Embassy, the British Council and the Passenger Rail Association of South Africa.

Environmental protection is a largely neglected issue in South Africa and there is little public understanding of what individuals can do to help. Few houses are insulated and people tend to rely on air conditioning in summer and electric heaters in winter. As part of the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Durban in November and December, a train is traveling across the country to raise awareness of environmental issues. That would help spread awareness through much of the continent given that South Africa has one of Africa's strongest economies and other African nations often follow its example. The train will reach Durban on the eve of the conference and remain there throughout its duration. Once it's over, the train will set off once again.

A film by Jürgen Schneider