The World Resource Institute (WRI) launched an online conversation on addressing the impact of transportation on climate change through a virtual event called Transforming Transportation that was held from 3 – 5 February 2021. The event was guided by the theme “reimagining safe and resilient mobility for recovery” and will be co-hosted by World Bank Group and WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities.
Transforming Transportation
The global pandemic has disrupted the global transport sector and has affected the economy of different countries and the lives of every individual around the world. WRI Climate emphasized that rethinking mobility is not a priority to build back better with safer, more resilient, and more efficient transport systems for all.
Transforming Transportation 2021 brought together sustainable mobility leaders from around the world to discuss the path forward. With the virtual event, WRI Climate offered resources on issues around sustainable transportation and mobility.
The virtual event was moderated by award-winning international journalist, Femi Oke, and featured world leaders like David Malpass – President of World Bank Group, Claudia Lopez – Mayor of Bogota, Colombia, Eneas Comiche – Mayor of Maputo, Mozambique, and more.
Transportation, climate, and development
At the conference, president of World Bank Group, David Malpass, emphasized how critical the transport sector is in achieving sustainable development. In his opening speech, Mr. Malpass discussed the importance of ensuring safe and sustainable transportation around the world, presenting facts and figures to highlight the difficulties people encounter within the transport system.
The data shows that around 840 million people from around the world still live away from usable roads, the most affected coming from low-to-middle income countries. Poorly designed road infrastructure and unsafe modes of public transport make it hard for people to make a living, for kids to go to school, for goods to be delivered to markets, and a lot more.
“Improving transport connectivity is going to be key for achieving both social objectives, economic objectives, and climate objectives.” – David Malpass.
Global transport emissions have grown faster than in any other area over the last 50 years. The transport sector now accounts for a quarter of global energy-related emissions and it is believed that this could reach 33% if we do not make necessary adjustments.
“We’re looking for ways to have a green, inclusive, resilient recovery from COVID and growth into the future. In order to do that, we have to have less polluting, more effective, and universal public transport.” – David Malpass.
Good infrastructure that allows for more options such as cycling and walking are critical in improving the transport system in different countries and the rest of the world.