| Monaco has led the small countries of the world in | | | | introduced to cut carbon emissions, and to reduce |
| the campaign to heighten awareness of | | | | the number of cars on the streets of Monte Carlo. |
| environmental issues since Prince Albert became | | | | The domestic campaign began with the Monaco |
| Sovereign in 2005, and has launched a radical plan of | | | | Yacht Show 2005, held each September, with the |
| its own to cut carbon emissions. | | | | event successfully becoming carbon neutral. To |
| One of the first acts Prince Albert took when | | | | encourage the thousands who commute to Monaco |
| succeeding to the throne upon his father's death was | | | | every day from neighbouring France and Italy the |
| to sign the Kyoto Protocol. | | | | railway station is one of the best in Europe, with |
| Along with the USA and Australia, Monaco was one | | | | frequent and reliable services. |
| of the few countries not to sign up to the treaty | | | | 'For those who work in Monte Carlo and travel in |
| intended to cut greenhouses gases. | | | | from Nice and her surrounding villages five days a |
| Included in a campaign by Prince Albert to protect | | | | week, it's both cheaper and quicker to take the train |
| the environment has been an expedition to the Arctic | | | | - the trains are modern and comfortable and it's rare |
| to see for himself how global warming has begun to | | | | for seats not to be available even during the rush |
| melt the glaciers, and shortly after his return he | | | | hour', claim the guide, 'Once people are in Monaco the |
| started a foundation to study rising sea levels and | | | | local transport service is equally quick and efficient. |
| how to address what he sees as environmental | | | | Virtually all routes are well planned and easy to |
| challenges. | | | | understand, and the most you have to wait for a |
| A Monaco travel guide comments that given the | | | | bus is ten minutes, often it's just a couple of minutes |
| Principality's position in the Mediterranean, concern at | | | | - which isn't exactly a hardship given the weather in |
| rising sea levels should come as no surprise. | | | | Monte Carlo!' |
| 'There are plans at an advanced stage to build an | | | | With many major companies and the banks in |
| island off Monte Carlo, which will change the Monte | | | | Monaco also looking to see how they can improve |
| Carlo map, and the district of Fontvieille is largely | | | | their own environmental records the business |
| reclaimed from the sea.' | | | | community view the steps as prudent ones. |
| The island is expected to be complete in ten years | | | | The routes are planned to incorporate tourist needs, |
| time, and will include the first new hotels in Monaco | | | | with many passing by the Hotel de Paris in Casino |
| for some time. | | | | Square and the Columbus in Fontvieille, two of the |
| Prince Albert recently spent time with fellow royal | | | | best known and popular Monaco hotels. Fares have |
| and campaigner for the environment Prince Charles. | | | | been reduced to one Euro, making public transport in |
| 'Most notable of all', comment the online guide, 'Prince | | | | Monaco among the lowest priced, comfortable and |
| Albert chose a mansion in the Kalorama district of | | | | frequent in Europe. |
| Washington D.C. to serve as Monaco's U.S. Embassy - | | | | With the overall aim to increase bus usage by 20 per |
| Monaco's first independent embassy outside of | | | | cent, the Principality is also funding five new duplex |
| Europe. Up to now it hasn't been necessary for | | | | trains with a thirty per cent increase in train services, |
| Monaco to have her own representation in the U.S. - | | | | and in an innovative attempt to persuade commuters |
| France has always looked after Monaco's interests. | | | | to leave their cars at home will provide free electric |
| But it serves as a useful base for him to entertain | | | | cycles at car park schemes. |
| politicans on Capitol Hill and get his environment | | | | 'The one time of year you might see fast cars being |
| message across. Expect to see more of Prince Albert | | | | encouraged is of course for the Monaco Grand Prix in |
| in America in the coming months and years!'. | | | | May', conclude the Monaco travel guide, 'But overall |
| Monaco Climate | | | | it's Prince Albert who will be able to claim the winners |
| With Prince Albert punching above Monaco's weight | | | | rostrum among European leaders for the |
| abroad, he has been no less active at home to prove | | | | environment. |
| his green credentials, and a radical plan has been | | | | |