We are very happy to announce that we have officially joined Partnership on Sustainable Low Carbon Transport (SLoCaT), a multi-stakeholder partnership of over 80 organizations (representing UN organizations, Multilateral and Bilateral development organizations, NGOs and Foundations, Academe and the Business Sector). SLoCaT promotes the integration on sustainable transport in global policies on sustainable development and climate change.
Transport-related CO2 emissions are projected to increase 57% worldwide in the period 2005–2030. Transport in Asia and Latin America is fastest growing sector in terms of emissions and will contribute the largest share of global increase in transport-related CO2 emissions. At the same time in 2005, 40% of people lived on less than $2 per day (World Bank Development Indicators 2008). Better transport systems in the developing countries are needed to provide better access to jobs, markets, schools and health care.
The current process of motorization in developing countries is expected to result in a manifold increase in motor vehicles between now and 2050. Apart from causing an increase in GHG emissions transport in developing countries also causes congestion and in contributing to air pollution, accidents and a general decrease in the quality of life in many of the cities in developing countries.
The thematic scope of the Partnership is on land transport in developing countries and includes freight and passenger transport. Both motorized and non-motorized transport is included. The geographical scope of the Partnership is developing countries. The Partnership will initially focus on Asia, Latin America and Africa.
The Partnership has as its overarching goal to mobilize global support to reduce the growth of GHG emissions generated by land transport in developing countries by promoting more sustainable, low carbon transport. The partnership has four specific objectives:
- The integration of sustainable, low carbon transport in climate negotiations, as well as national and local climate policies and programs,
- The integration of climate considerations in regional, national and local transport policies
- Mainstream Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport in strategies and operations of international development organizations
- Contribute to sustainable development and the millennium development goals especially providing access to or for goods and services by lower income groups.