- COP 28 in Dubai sees 60 pledges to double efforts in green transport by 2030.
- Endorsements from countries like Chile and Colombia, along with 60 multi stakeholder organisations, highlight the commitment to doubling the share of energy-efficient and fossil-free land transport.
- SLOCAT Partnership leads initiatives integrating sustainable transport into global policies, collaborating with REN21 and international bodies for eco-friendly transportation.
COP 28 drives momentum with 60 global commitments to double green transport by 2030, boosting support for sustainable land transport initiatives
Setting a course for a more sustainable future, COP 28 marked 60 global commitments to double green transport by 2030, accompanied by a call from the sustainable land transport community to double the share of energy-efficient and fossil-free transportation, aiming for a greener and eco-friendly approach.
Nations like Chile and Colombia, alongside the backing of 60 multi stakeholder organisations, lent their support to the initiative. The sustainable land transport community also agreed that it will observe the annual World Sustainable Transport Day, following its launch by the UN General Assembly in November.
Taking the lead, the SLOCAT Partnership spearheaded initiatives as a key delivery partner for COP 28, particularly during the Multilevel Action Day dedicated to transport at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai. The SLOCAT Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport is at the forefront, advocating for the integration of sustainable transport into global policies on sustainable development and climate change. It actively collaborates and aligns efforts with REN21, a think tank and multi-stakeholder governance group specialising in renewable energy policy for the new wave of green transport initiatives.
Expanding the coalition, additional international bodies rallied behind the cause, with key players such as the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI), the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), the International Association of Railways (UIC), the International Union of Railways (UITP), and the World Resources Institute (WRI) joining forces for these new initiatives.
The transportation sector plays a significant role in climate change, responsible for roughly 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions and accounting for about 22% of worldwide CO2 emissions.
Maruxa Cardama, SLOCAT Secretary General, said:
“Transport is the fastest growing energy consuming sector, so fast that actually in 2021, it consumed one-third of the world’s total energy.”
What’s more, 96% of this originates from fossil fuels, making the sector one of the most important to decarbonise.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, commented:
“From electric and solar-powered vehicles to renewable aviation fuel sources, to massive investments in green public transportation systems, to measures like carbon pricing and subsidies for low-carbon fuels, we can steer our societies towards a cleaner and more sustainable path for people and the planet.”
The emphasis on sustainability in transportation at COP 28 marks a significant stride toward fostering a healthier planet. Now, it’s time for nations and global organisations to walk the talk and turn these pledges into action. The promises have been made – time to roll up our sleeves and make the commitment to a sustainable future a reality.
