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Everything you need to know about Green Transport and the 5 solutions to a sustainable future of transport, discussing electric vehicles, sustainable travel and greener public transport.
In a world where environmental concerns have reached critical levels, the importance of altering the way we move from place to place has never been more pressing.
The transport sector is responsible for an estimated one quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. In 45% of countries in the world, transport is the largest source of energy related emissions. In the other countries, it’s the second one.
Having become a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and congestion, the transport sector is now evolving. Amidst these challenges, a beacon of hope shines through the rapid evolution of green transport solutions.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the complexities of unsustainable transportation, delve into the innovative solutions driving change, and celebrate the visionary companies dedicated to steering us towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The transportation sector, fuelled by the growing demands of urbanization and global trade, has inadvertently become a source of environmental degradation. Transport is the largest emitter of CO2 emissions in the UK, accounting for 24% of the total emissions. Moreover, private vehicles, mostly car use, make up the bulk of transport emissions.
95% of the world’s transport energy still comes from fossil fuels. Gasoline-powered vehicles, ships, airplanes, and trains has led to a surge in carbon dioxide emissions and air pollutants. In 2021 alone, the global transportation sector produced 7 billion metrics of carbon dioxide emissions. The result of this is deteriorating air quality, climate change, and strained infrastructure.
Green transport, also known as sustainable or eco-friendly transportation, is a holistic approach to reimagining our movement systems to mitigate their environmental impact.
To solve the problem of transport emissions there are multiple solutions within the green transport sector. In this blog we’ll be discussing:
By embracing innovative technologies, shifting consumer behaviour, and advocating for policy changes, we can collectively reduce emissions, decrease pollution, and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Electric vehicles have emerged as a transformative force in the automotive landscape. The number of newly licensed battery cars increased by 80% between 2020 and 2021.
By substituting traditional internal combustion engines with electric motors, electric vehicles drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality.
Industry leaders like Tesla, Nissan, and Chevrolet have spurred mass adoption of electric cars, driving technological advancements and fostering a cultural shift towards sustainable commuting.
However, electric cars are expensive and can prove difficult to own if your environment isn’t adapted. A household with an electric car needs to have access to a charger, especially on their daily routes or parking spaces. Moreover, for individuals traveling often and far, electric cars can prove difficult if there aren’t charging stations on the way. Luckily enough, our world is changing and with electric cars growing in popularity more charging stations are appearing.
Pod Point is one of the UK’s leading providers of electric vehicle charging stations with the mission of making electric driving easier.
ClearWatt is on a mission to develop the second-hand electric vehicle market to ensure electric vehicles have a long and healthy life, by providing transparency and clarity to costumers
Now hiring – ClearWatt are looking for a new Marketing Intern!
Future Motion are building a system which measures, analyses and certifies the condition of a used electric vehicle battery. They’re on a mission to ensure that the electric vehicle revolution is fair and inclusive.
Revitalizing the public transport system is a fundamental strategy to decrease the environmental impact of transportation. Taking the bus instead of the car reduces carbon emissions by 45%. However, in the UK, 4 in 10 adults report lack of reliable and convenient public transport as an obstacle to using greener forms of transport daily.
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The introduction of electric buses, trams, and trains powered by renewable energy sources offers a solution that not only reduces emissions but also enhances accessibility and affordability for commuters. Cities like Oslo, Norway have pioneered such initiatives are planning on having a fully electric public transportation system to by the end of 2023, serving as inspiring examples for urban planners worldwide.
The Go-Ahead Group are working towards a healthier planet by implementing better public transport in the UK. Having recently undergone a deal with manufacturer BYD to use electric buses across the country, they are hoping to develop and make public transport more sustainable.
Investing in dedicated biking and walking infrastructure is a tangible way to promote emission-free modes of transportation. Biking is a carbon-neutral mode of transportation that will get you to a place quickly whilst providing exercise. However, it can be risky without bike paths and accessibility to open roads.
Copenhagen, Denmark has become famous for its biking citizens, as a Copenhagener bikes on an average 3 kilometers every day. If EU countries where to have the same rates, it could cut carbon emissions by 25%.
Companies and governments are collaborating to create interconnected bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly streets, and bike-sharing programs, encouraging individuals to opt for sustainable options while enhancing urban liveability.
Beryl places bikes around the city that can be traced and paid for through their app. It makes biking more accessible and easier if you don’t have the means of buying one or the place to store it.
Lime has become quite the staple in many cities due to their electric scooters for rent throughout the city. It’s an easy and quick way to go from one place to another without having to contribute to any emissions.
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Car sharing is a new phenomenon where people rent or borrows strangers' cars when they need one. Instead of buying a car for it to be parked on the street most days, there are platforms and apps that connects people to borrow cars from each other when they aren’t in use.
Hiyacar was created with the mindset to be smarter about cars and transport. Their purpose is to connect drivers to cars when they need one, using their app or website, so they don’t need to own one. By doing so we decrease emissions and become more environmentally friendly.
Liftshare was created to match people with the same journeys. It works by joining their website for free and registering your upcoming journey. The app will then match you with a driver or other passengers with a similar route to go together. It’s cheaper and saves the environment at the same time.
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One of the main culprits of travel is flying, air travel accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. Instead, there are innovative approaches are reshaping the travel industries.
Companies are investing in research and development to create hybrid and electric aircraft, experimenting with sustainable aviation fuels, and adopting advanced navigation technologies to optimize fuel efficiency in shipping. Airlines like SAS and Norwegian have started to include an option of additional cost to pay for biofuels to achieve more environmentally friendly flights.
SQUAKE help consumers make better choices about which flights have a lower footprint, whilst funding the use of sustainable aviation fuel.
Find out more about them here.
Byway is a platform that promotes flight-free holidays. They plan journeys from the customers desire and include types of transportation like sea travel and train to decrease the carbon emissions from flights.
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In a world facing urgent environmental challenges, transforming our approach to transportation is crucial. The transportation sector's impact on emissions and pollution demands action. Fortunately, innovative solutions are emerging.
Green transport, including electric vehicles, revamped public transit, biking infrastructure, car sharing, and sustainable travel options, offers a way forward.
By embracing innovation, policy changes, and new habits, we can drive the shift to a cleaner, sustainable transportation future. It's our opportunity to create a greener world ahead.
Want to become more educated on the climate issue? Read about The 5 main causes of climate change or Top 3 new laws shaping the future of work and sustainability.
