How Electric Vehicles Can Contribute to a More Sustainable Transportation Network
Sustainable Transportation and Fuels
Funding allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enables the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to support sustainable transportation and freight shipping infrastructure, including vehicle charging capabilities, urban and community design, and roads and bridges.
Further, the EERE Vehicle Technologies Offices research on energy efficient mobility systems focuses on optimizing the overall transportation system to improve the affordability, efficiency, safety, and accessibility of transportation.
EERE offers funding for research and development (R&D) to advance clean energy technologies. Find open funding opportunities and learn how to apply for funding.
EERE also partners with other agencies to advance sustainable transportation efforts. Learn about the U.S. National Blueprint for Decarbonizing Transportation, a landmark strategy to remove all greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector by 2050 developed in partnership with the departments of Energy, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency.
Green Transportation for a Greener Future: Modes and Benefits
In an era characterized by escalating environmental concerns and climate change, the need for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation has never been more urgent. Green Transportation for a Greener Future: Modes and Benefits delves into the various modes of environmentally-conscious transportation and explores the extensive benefits they offer. By transitioning from conventional transportation options to greener alternatives, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
1. Electric Vehicles (EVs):
Electric vehicles have gained remarkable popularity as a viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. EVs run entirely on electricity, producing zero tailpipe emissions and significantly reducing air pollution. As advancements in battery technology continue, EVs are becoming more affordable and capable of longer distances, making them a promising choice for eco-conscious commuters.
2. Public Transportation:
Public transportation systems, including buses, trains, and subways, are essential components of sustainable mobility. By encouraging the use of shared transport, we can minimize the number of individual vehicles on the road, thus reducing congestion and emissions. Well-planned public transit networks provide an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly means of commuting.
3. Cycling and Walking:
Active modes of transportation like cycling and walking are not only beneficial for personal health but also for the environment. They produce zero emissions and require minimal infrastructure, contributing to reduced congestion and improved air quality. Cities with well-designed bike lanes and pedestrian pathways promote a healthier lifestyle while decreasing reliance on fossil fuel-based transportation.
4. Carpooling and Ride-Sharing:
Carpooling and ride-sharing initiatives encourage the sharing of rides among multiple passengers traveling in the same direction. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, these practices decrease greenhouse gas emissions, ease traffic congestion, and save participants money on fuel and maintenance costs.
Benefits of Green Transportation:
1. Environmental Impact:
The adoption of green transportation modes significantly lowers carbon emissions and reduces air pollution. Electric vehicles and other sustainable options release fewer pollutants, helping mitigate the detrimental effects of climate change and improving air quality in urban areas.
2. Energy Efficiency:
Green transportation modes are generally more energy-efficient compared to their conventional counterparts. Electric vehicles, for instance, convert a higher percentage of stored energy into actual propulsion, leading to reduced energy consumption and fossil fuel dependency.
3. Cost Savings:
While the upfront costs of some green transportation options might be higher, the long-term savings in terms of fuel and maintenance expenses often outweigh the initial investment. Public transportation, cycling, and walking are also budget-friendly alternatives.
4. Reduced Congestion:
By encouraging shared modes of transportation, such as carpooling and public transit, green transportation systems help alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas. This leads to shorter commute times and less stress for travelers.
5. Health Benefits:
Active transportation modes like cycling and walking promote physical activity, leading to improved cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Additionally, reduced air pollution from green transportation positively impacts public health by decreasing respiratory problems and related diseases.
we can conclude this, Green Transportation for a Greener Future: Modes and Benefits underscores the pivotal role of sustainable transportation in shaping a more environmentally-conscious and prosperous future. By embracing electric vehicles, public transportation, active modes like cycling and walking, and ride-sharing initiatives, we can collectively contribute to reduced carbon emissions, improved air quality, and enhanced quality of life for ourselves and future generations. Through informed choices and concerted efforts, we can drive the transformation toward a greener transportation landscape.
FAQs
1. What exactly is green transportation?
Green transportation refers to the use of environmentally-friendly modes of travel that produce minimal or no negative impact on the environment. It includes options like electric vehicles, public transportation, cycling, walking, and carpooling, all of which aim to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
2. How do electric vehicles (EVs) contribute to a greener future?
Electric vehicles (EVs) operate solely on electricity, emitting zero tailpipe emissions. This means they dont produce harmful pollutants that contribute to air pollution and climate change. By adopting EVs, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels.
3. Why is public transportation considered green?
Public transportation, including buses, trains, and subways, is considered green because it enables multiple passengers to share a single vehicle, reducing the overall number of cars on the road. This leads to decreased traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improved air quality in urban areas.
4. How can cycling and walking be effective modes of green transportation?
Cycling and walking are green transportation options that produce zero emissions and have minimal impact on the environment. These active modes of transportation not only contribute to reduced pollution but also promote personal health and well-being.
5. Are there financial benefits to using green transportation?
Yes, there are financial benefits to using green transportation. While some eco-friendly options might have higher upfront costs, they often lead to long-term savings due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses. Public transportation, cycling, and walking are also cost-effective alternatives compared to owning and operating a private vehicle.
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The Road to Sustainable Transport
Has Progress Been Made?
Despite the rise of sustainable transportation on the global agenda, the 2020 UN Sustainable Development Goals Report states only half the worlds urban population has convenient access to public transportation, according to 2019 data from 610 cities in 95 countries. The report measures access as the share of the population within 500 metres walking distance of low-capacity transport systems (buses and trams) and 1,000 metres distance to high-capacity systems (trains, subways, and ferries). To compensate, many cities have resorted to and have a high prevalence of informal transport systems, which often lack consistency and safety features.
Yet, some progress has been made. Share the Road, a United Nations Environment Programme-led initiative launched in 2008, advocates for investments in walking and cycling infrastructure, including links to public transport systems. The initiative has promoted non-motorized transport programmes in Mexico, Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Indonesia. It also collaborated with the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) to create a toolkit fordeveloping non-motorized policies and strategies (FIA Foundation, 2020).
Other advances include creating more walkable cities. In Buenos Aires, a road that once had 20 traffic lanes now dedicates the center of the road to buses. When the city made the change a few years ago, commute times shrank dramatically. Buses also no longer needed to use crowded side streets, which freed up around 100 blocks for pedestrian-priority zones where cars are restricted (Peters, 2019). Similarly, in Cuenca, Ecuador, the citys historic center is being transformed with specific pedestrian and prioritized public transportation access. In Coimbatore, India, and Lisbon, Portugal, pedestrians and cyclists have priority access, with a shift away from a car-orientated society toward an increased focus on pedestrians. Guangzhou, China, has a new 500 km (311 miles) greenway for pedestrians and cyclists (ITDP, 2020).
Cycling has been a major focus in many cities, from the implementation of bike share programmes, to increasing bike lanes and bike parking. Niteri in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Frankfurt, Germany, and Guatemala City, Guatemala, are investing in cycling infrastructure. Kampala, Uganda, and Windhoek, Namibia, have established bike share systems to support social advancement, particularly for the poor. Many cities view improvements in cycling and pedestrian spaces as going hand-in-hand. For example, Lviv, Ukraine, has enacted a complete street design, which improved cycle lanes to such an extent public transit users have stopped driving to bus stations (ITDP, 2020).
The Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles (PCFV) coordinates programmes to reduce vehicular and road transport emissions in developing countries by promoting cleaner fuels and vehicles. When the PCFV was launched at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, most developing and transitional countries were still using leaded fuel. Today, only six use leaded fuel.
In Egypt, a Vehicle Scrapping and Recycling Program enabled taxi owners to voluntarily turn in their outdated, high-polluting vehicles for managed scrapping and recycling in exchange for new, more environmentally friendly vehicles. The new taxis were purchased from pre-registered vehicle dealers at a discounted price and with financing facilities. By the end of 2018, around 45,000 taxis had been turned in, scrapped, and recycled in Cairo alone, resulting in emission reductions of approximately 350,000 tonnes (World Bank, 2018).
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric micromobility options are also rapidly expanding, with shared electric scooters, electric-assist bicycles, and electric mopeds now available in over 600 cities across more than 50 countries. An estimated 350 million electric two/three-wheelers, the majority of which are in China, make up 25% of those in circulation worldwide. Many Chinese cities have banned two-wheelers with internal combustion engines.
Sustainable transport key to green energy shift: UN Secretary-General
The three-day UN Sustainable Transport Conference, which opened on Thursday, will examine how transportation can contribute to climate response, economic growth and sustainable development.
It is taking place just weeks before the COP26 UN climate change conference in Glasgow, Scotland.
In remarks to the opening, UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres underlined what is at stake.
The next nine years must see a global shift towards renewable energy. Sustainable transport is central to that transformation, he said.
The move to sustainable transport could deliver savings of $70 trillion by 2050, according to the World Bank.
Better access to roads could help Africa to become self-sufficient in food, and create a regional food market worth $1 trillion by the end of the decade.
Net-zero goal
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how transport is far more than a means of getting people and goods from A to B, the UN chief said.
Rather, transport is fundamental to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change, both of which were badly off-track even before the crisis.
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but the door for action is closing, he warned.
Transport, which accounts for more than one quarter of global greenhouse gases, is key to getting on track. We must decarbonize all means of transport, in order to get to net-zero emissions by 2050 globally.
A role for everyone
Decarbonizing transportation requires countries to address emissions from shipping and aviation because current commitments are not aligned with the Paris Agreement.
Priorities here include phasing out the production of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040, while zero emission vessels must be the default choice for the shipping sector.
All stakeholders have a role to play, from individuals changing their travel habits, to businesses transforming their carbon footprint, the Secretary-General said.
He urged governments to incentivize clean transport, for example through regulatory standards and taxation, and to impose stricter regulation of infrastructure and procurement.
Safer transport for all
The issues of safety and access must also be addressed, the Secretary-General continued.
This means helping more than one billion people to access paved roads, with designated space for pedestrians and bicycles, and providing convenient public transit options, he said.
It means providing safe conditions for all on public transport by ending harassment and violence against women and girls, and reducing deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
Making transport resilient
Post-pandemic recovery must also lead to resilient transport systems, with investments going towards sustainable transport, and generating decent jobs and opportunities for isolated communities.
Public transport should be the foundation for urban mobility, he said. Per dollar invested, it creates three times more jobs than building new highways.
With much existing transport infrastructure, such as ports, vulnerable to extreme climate events, better risk analysis and planning are needed, along with increased financing for climate adaptation, particularly in developing countries.
Mr. Guterres stressed the need for effective partnerships, including with the private sector, so that countries can work together more coherently.
The transformative potential of sustainable transport can only be unleashed if improvements translate into poverty eradication, decent jobs better health and education, and increased opportunities for women and girls. Countries have much to learn from each other, he said.
More about the conference
The world needs better and safer ways to move people and goods. Highways around the world are choked with traffic. Traffic fatalities and casualties are rising. Air pollution from transport is causing more and more health impacts. Close to a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions come from transport and these emissions are projected to grow substantially in the years to come, further exacerbating climate change.
But new ideas and innovation are leading to transport solutions that are affordable, realistic, socially acceptable and environmentally sound. A transport revolution is here: electric cars powered by renewable energy; sustainable air travel; zero emission ships and communities that promote walking and bicycling. Accelerating the implementation of these solutions, everywhere, are a critical part of the United Nations efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address the global climate crisis.
The 2021 UN Sustainable Transport Conference will showcase the commitments and resolve of key stakeholders from Governments, UN system and other international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to advance action for sustainable transport. All modes of transportroad, rail, aviation and waterbornewill be addressed.
The Conference will also consider the concerns of vulnerable groups, such as women, the youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and people living in poverty, and of many developing countries, including least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States, which will receive particular focus. Key transport objectives, such as providing access for all while leaving no one behind, green mobility, efficiency and safety will be discussed.
The Conference will culminate in calls for global action to further advance sustainable transport worldwide, complemented by new partnerships, voluntary commitments and initiatives to support sustainable transport.
Recognizing the importance of transport in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, the United Nations Secretary-General will convene the second Global Sustainable Transport Conference from 14-16 October 2021 in Beijing, China. The Conference will bring together leaders and experts from Governments, the transport industry, the UN system and other international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to chart a course toward sustainable transport. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Conference will be held in hybrid format with both virtual and in-person participation.
The Conference will provide an opportunity for government officials, experts and leaders from the transport sector and the private sector, as well as from the UN system and other international organizations, and civil society to engage in a dialogue that emphasizes the critical role that sustainable transport can play in driving sustainable development and climate action worldwide. A maximum of 1000 participants is expected to participate in person while the rest will be following the Conference online via the dedicated Zoom platform and UN WebTV
The Conference will be a three-day meeting (14-16 October 2021) featuring an opening and closing ceremony, three plenary sessions, a Ministers Forum, a Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Transport, a Forum on the Role of Business in advancing sustainable transport, as well as six thematic sessions. Side events sponsored by Member States, UN system entities and other eligible stakeholders on themes related to the Conference will be organized on the margins of the official meetings of the Conference.
The Conference will be held in a hybrid format with limited in-person participation in Beijing and virtual participation online. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the international travel restrictions in place, only those who are already present in China should apply for in-person participation, including diplomatic community, representatives of International Organizations and representatives of other stakeholders. All others are encouraged to participate in the Conference via the zoom platform, as well as UN WebTV.
The Conference will be informed by an inter-agency report, prepared by UNDESA, in close collaboration with other UN agencies, including ICAO, ILO, IMO, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNECE, UNEP, UNESCAP, UNESCWA, UN-Habitat, UNIDO, UN-OHRLLS, UNWTO, WHO and the World Bank. All three Forums and the six thematic sessions will also be informed by concept notes. The full programme, concept notes and other background documentation are available on the Conference website:
https://www.un.org/en/conferences/transport2021. The inter-agency report is being finalized and will be made available shortly.
In addition to offering mutual learning and knowledge exchange, the Conference will provide a platform for identifying sustainable solutions and forging partnerships and launching initiatives to advance sustainable transport objectives. The UN SecretaryGeneral would like to encourage Member States, UN system entities, civil society and the private sector to launch voluntary commitments, partnerships and initiatives that seek to raise ambition on sustainable transport and to share related information, including by registering them through the dedicated online platform on the Conference website:
https://www.un.org/en/conferences/transport2021/commitments. Registered initiatives, which can be entered ahead of, or during the Conference, will be an important outcome of the Conference.
The Conference will result in a summary report, a list of voluntary commitments, and a concise, forward-looking, visionary statement calling for global action to further advance sustainable transport worldwide.
The key objective is to find pathways to achieve sustainable transport. This will involve all modes of transportroad, rail, aviation and waterborneand how they can help promote economic recovery, job creation, improved health, poverty eradication, while addressing critical environmental concerns such as climate change. The Conference will address issues concerning green development, the role of science, technology, innovation and the private sector for sustainable transport, and sustainable transport for sustainable cities. There will be a particular focus on the 3 concerns of vulnerable groups, such as women, the youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the poor, and of many developing countries, including least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States.
Side events sponsored by Member States, UN system entities and other eligible stakeholders on themes related to the Conference will be organized on the margins of the official meetings of the Conference. The side events will allow additional informal space for sharing experiences and provide alternative opportunities for dialogue. A full list of approved side events and their connection details will be made available on the Conference website.
Presently, transport contributes almost a quarter of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. And at the same time, more than a billion people still lack access to an all-weather road, and only about half the worlds urban population have convenient access to public transport. Action is needed now to ensure that a balanced, environmentally sound, transport system works for all people.
The world is presently on the cusp of a transportation revolutionnew technologies and innovations are coming to market that will dramatically change the energy mix needed to power our cars, trucks, trains, ships and planes. But this revolution risks missing people and communities, primarily in developing countries, that have yet to transition to modes and technologies of transport which would make systems truly sustainable. The world will not address climate change unless the transport sector is transformed in all countries.
Additionally, transport is about improving peoples lives and livelihoods. A lack of transport options and mobility challenges frequently contribute to persistent poverty, inequality, and deprivations across the world increasing the risk of people being left behind.
In order to meet the increasing and changing transport demands while preserving the planet for current and future generations, we will have to change the way we plan, develop and use transport modes and systems, as well as the public space in which they operate, while taking into account the challenges and needs of vulnerable groups. Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic can provide valuable lessons in this regard. The Conference offers a unique opportunity for different stakeholders to discuss these issues and come up with innovative and viable solutions.
Sustainable transport enables the mobility of people and goods, enhancing economic growth and livelihoods while improving access to quality services, such as health, education and finance. It strengthens connectivity at all levels, helping 4 integrate economies, improving social equity, enhancing rural-urban linkages and building resilience. At the same time, it addresses the environmental, social and health impacts of transport.
According to the report of the former UN Secretary-Generals High-level Advisory Group, sustainable transport seeks to alleviate these negative impacts while advancing economic and social development to benefit todays and future generationsin a manner that is safe, affordable, accessible, efficient, and resilient.
World leaders at the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio +20) unanimously agreed that transportation and mobility are central to sustainable development. While there is no single dedicated Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for transport, transport is critical to achieving most, if not all, SDGs.
There are several explicit references to transport throughout the SDGs, such as in target 3.6 (by 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents), target 9.1 (develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all) and target 11.2 (by 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport while paying special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons). For more information on the SDGs, please visit the website:
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/Transport is a significant contributor to climate change, generating a quarter of energy - related GHG emissions and a sixth of total emissions. Its contribution is projected to grow to one third by 2050 unless decisive measures are taken to decarbonize the transport sector - with different modes of transportation requiring different solutions.
Climate change and extreme weather events pose significant risks to transport systems and related supply chains, disrupting services and damaging or destroying infrastructure, thus increasing vulnerability to economic disruption and human loss. As a result, there is an urgent need to enhance the resilience of transport systems to climate change impacts.
The transformation of the transport sector is critical for achieving the Paris Agreement. This transformation must go hand-in -hand with efforts to reduce inequality and poverty, with special attention to the needs of vulnerable groups and countries.
The upcoming COP26 in Glasgow will also feature the role of the transport sector (see:
https://ukcop26.org/transport/). For more information on the Paris Agreement on climate change, please visit the website:
http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/climatechange/.
