We can make our cities cleaner, and our jobs greener, by implementing innovative and digital solutions for public transport, cycling, walking and other forms of clean mobility.
A massive transformation is already underway. Many European cities are implementing simpler, safer, healthier and cheaper solutions to fossil-burning vehicles, such as sharing electric vehicles, bicycles and e-bikes, green buses and trains, and even laying hundreds of kilometers of new cycling lanes.
Let’s also remember that distances can be much more significant in rural areas than in cities and towns. We need to find innovative solutions that leave no-one and no place behind.
We all need to move around efficiently – we can do so while improving our health and environment!
Green transport, also known as sustainable transport, refers to modes of transportation that do not negatively impact the environment such as fossil fuels. Green transport modes rely on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy, hydroelectric, and biomass, among others.
The transport sector plays a critical role in the development and growth of the economy. This is because adequate transport infrastructure, systems and networks offer access to basic services and goods. It increases connectivity and integration between rural, urban and international markets, which, in turn, improves economic activity. And, subsequently stimulates job creation, which opens up employment opportunities in South Africa.
The transition to green transport will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also increase the efficiency of transport systems and road safety. It can also significantly transform public transport in South Africa and other African countries; however, the greatest challenge is acquiring sufficient funding to make infrastructure for development possible.
From the students from SSOU “Dimitrija Cupovski” Veles , North Macedonia