Table of content:
- The Importance of Sustainable Public Transport
- Sustainability in Transport – The Pivotal Mission of the Local Authorities
- The takeaway
Combating air pollution requires eliminating its sources, such as the fossil fuels burned by means of transportation every year. The data does not lie – it will be incredibly difficult to achieve acceptable air quality without drastic changes to the way we commute. Therefore, in this article we will focus on sustainable transport – why is it important and what is the role of local governments in introducing it.
The Importance of Sustainable Public Transport
According to the European Environment Agency, domestic transport is the only sector in which the emissions have been rising since the year 1990. Moreover, over 71% of greenhouse gas emissions in transportation comes from road transportation, with slightly over 60% belonging purely to cars. Therefore, it is vital to educate the public and find means to reduce these numbers.
Raising air pollution awareness is crucial, but the communities need to have eco-friendly alternatives. We cannot expect people to walk 10 or more kilometres to work every day, purely from their concern for the environment. This is where the role of local governments arises.
Sustainability in Transport – The Pivotal Mission of the Local Authorities
In order to improve air quality, local governments need to encourage the citizens to switch to more eco-friendly modes of transport. This requires proper infrastructure and smart green city urban planning. How can it be done? Here are several sustainable transportation examples:
- Walking and cycling – Building safe bikeways and pavements.
- Public transportation – Planning an effective, comfortable and convenient network of sustainable buses, trams, and undergrounds.
- Developing car sharing – Encouraging the citizens who do need to travel by car to pick up their neighbours and travel together.
The takeaway
Sustainable transportation is the key to the future of our planet. With the excessive amounts of fossil fuels burned by cars, local governments need to find ways to convince their citizens to opt for less polluting transportation modes. Otherwise, the problem of air pollution will still be growing.
Was this article helpful? Then you may also read: Innovative Campaign Ideas to Tackle Air Pollution – 4 Examples
Sources: