Transport sector's role in combating climate change
A large amount of smoke emanates from the tailpipe of a vehicle.
"If you truly believe that the economy is more significant than the environment, attempt to cease breathing while you calculate your finances."
These powerful words spoken by Guy McPherson, an American scientist, highlight the interconnectedness of the climate and the economy. It emphasizes the pressing need for policies and programs to be implemented in order to preserve our environment.
Although the emphasis has mainly been placed on the manufacturing industry, a report conducted by the United Nations has highlighted the importance of the transportation sector in generating harmful greenhouse gases. According to the report, this sector is accountable for around 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions, and alarmingly, 95% of transportation energy is obtained through the use of fossil fuels across the globe.
Transportation is the main cause of energy-related emissions in 45% of countries, while in the other countries it is the second most prominent source.
Climate change is a reality that we cannot ignore. It affects us in different ways, from flooding and drought to heatwaves and melting glaciers. It is crucial that everyone does their part in preventing the crisis that threatens humanity. All sectors have a role to play in this important endeavor.
Transport industry players cannot simply watch from the sidelines in the battle against climate change. They need to implement various strategies, laws, and rules to combat this issue. Kenya is leading the charge in the region by promoting an agenda that will eliminate barriers obstructing the fight against climate change.
The Africa Climate Action Summit is set to take place in Kenya during September, organized by the African Union. Numerous important figures such as heads of state and government will be in attendance, with a total of over 10,000 delegates. During the forum in Nairobi, the focus will be on unifying the voices of Africa in preparation for the upcoming 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP28) held in Dubai. Additionally, the summit aims to design the blueprint for the continent's sustainable and eco-friendly future.
In the government, we're collaborating with other organizations to decrease the amount of harmful greenhouse gases released into the environment. Our primary focus is on implementing electric mobility, a process that will involve slowly transitioning away from traditional gasoline and diesel-powered cars and toward electric ones instead.
So far, there has been a significant improvement in the usage of electric vehicles in public transportation. Several businesses that provide public transport, such as Super Metro, BasiGo, Metro Trans, and Embassava Sacco, have started using electric buses. Moreover, there are more than 1,000 electric motorcycles from companies like Kiri EV, Bolt, Uber, eWAKKA, Ecobodaa, e-Zuri, Ampersand, and Roam that are already in operation.
To promote this change, we will introduce tax benefits to decrease the expenses of bringing in these buses and bodabodas. Additionally, we are developing regulations that will persuade road builders to add an eco-friendly element in their construction.
This initiative aims to promote the planting of trees next to important routes and expressways in order to back President William Ruto's 15 billion-tree goal within a decade. Additionally, our team is collaborating with investors to implement the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which will employ electric buses. The BRT system not only enhances passenger safety and improves efficiency, but it also decreases traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
The author of this article is the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure.
