Transport sector's role in combating climate change
A large amount of smoke is coming out of the car's exhaust.
"If you believe the economy holds more value than the environment, try to stop breathing while you tally up your finances."
The words of American scientist Guy McPherson reveal the complex connection between the climate and the economy, emphasizing the crucial requirement for implementing policies and initiatives to preserve our environment.
Although manufacturing has received a lot of attention, a recent United Nations report reveals that the transportation industry is also a primary contributor to eco-unfriendly gas emissions. According to the report, roughly 25% of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the transportation sector, with 95% of the world's transport energy still being obtained from non-renewable resources.
Transport accounts for the highest amount of energy-related emissions in 45% of countries, while in the rest of the countries, it takes second place.
Climate change is an actual issue that involves floods, lack of rain, extreme high temperatures and ice melting caused by global warming. To prevent a disastrous outcome for humanity, every industry should take action against it.
Transport players have an active role to play in the fight against climate change. It is necessary for them to set up policies, laws, and regulations, and implement various measures to combat the issue. Kenya is leading the way in the region, advocating for a new agenda to eliminate obstacles in the battle against climate change.
Kenya and the African Union will join forces in September to organize the Africa Climate Action Summit that will gather over 10,000 delegates, including numerous heads of state and government. The conference will take place in Nairobi and its primary objective is to amalgamate Africa's viewpoints before the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP28), which will take place in Dubai, as well as developing the continent's ecological strategy.
We're collaborating with our partners in the government to minimize the amount of harmful gases we're releasing into the environment. One of our main priorities is transitioning from traditional gasoline and diesel-powered automobiles to electric vehicles, which will happen gradually.
There have been significant advancements in the field of public transportation with a number of companies such as Super Metro, BasiGo, Metro Trans, and Embassava Sacco implementing electric buses. In addition, there are currently over a thousand electric motorcycles in use, provided by companies like Kiri EV, Bolt, Uber, eWAKKA, Ecobodaa, e-Zuri, Ampersand, and Roam.
In order to support this change, we will introduce tax benefits to reduce the expenses of importing these buses and bodabodas. We are additionally devising regulations that will prompt road builders to add a green aspect to their constructions.
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We plan to promote the planting of trees along important roads and highways to help President William Ruto reach his goal of planting 15 billion trees in 10 years. In addition, we are collaborating with investors to implement the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that utilizes electric buses. By doing so, we will not only ensure the safety and efficiency of passengers but also lessen traffic congestion and carbon pollution.
The author of this blog post is the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport.
