October is Transport Month and it is also a month dedicated to climate change action globally. Transportation challenges and climate change are closely linked. Read more below:
Transportation is responsible for around 30% of Cape Town’s carbon footprint, mostly from the petrol and diesel that is used in private vehicles. These not only contribute to emissions and air pollution but also require large volumes of imported oil, which negatively impacts the balance of payments and energy security. There are however many ways to address the complex transportation challenges of our fast-growing city while also reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
‘The City of Cape Town is one of approximately 100 cities in the global C40 Climate Leadership Group committed to tackling climate change. These cities are taking ambitious steps to establish more resilient, sustainable and inclusive futures through their climate change action plans.
‘One of the commitments that the City has made, along with 75 other C40 cities, is to put a plan in place to help limit global warming to no more 1,5 degrees Celsius, a scientifically determined tipping point, beyond which we begin to experience climate impacts that are potentially catastrophic.
‘At the same time, the City is working to prepare for the negative impacts of climate change by building resilience and implementing climate adaptation actions,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti.
Climate action events geared towards building the future we want include:
World Habitat Day on 7 October 2019: This commemorative day is observed on the first Monday of October every year. It supports the United Nation Habitat’s mission towards transformative change in cities and human settlements. This year the focus is on sustainable waste management. It goes beyond solid waste management to consider all of the waste products of human society which continue to contribute to climate change and environmental degradation.
The C40 World Mayors Summit in Copenhagen which is being held from 9 to 12 October 2019: Councillor Maxiti will represent Cape Town as world leaders aim to build a global coalition of leading cities, businesses and citizens that rallies around transformative climate action. According to the C40 Group, 70% of cities report that they are already experiencing the effects of climate change.
Global Climate Change Week from 14 to 20 October 2019: Media partners, schools, businesses, neighbourhood watches and civic organisations are encouraged to take positive environmental actions such as initiating recycling projects, beach and river clean-ups, adopting beloved natural neighbourhood features and public open spaces and looking at other ways to improve the health of the spaces. In relation to transportation, traffic congestion emissions can be reduced, health can be improved and money can be saved by sharing a ride.
The Electric Vehicle Road Trip Africa is an event promoting cleaner technology in transport. The road trip starts in Johannesburg on 2 October and ends in Cape Town on 10 October 2019: It is a collaboration between Generation.e., the National Department of Transport, and the Gauteng Provincial Government. The City is a partner for the Cape Town leg of the trip.
The City will be expanding the electric vehicle public charging network through piloting two donated charging stations to be launched on 30 October 2019: Watch this space for more details.
The City encourages all residents and businesses to join us in tackling the climate challenge and to create a healthier and more sustainable city.
Source: City Of Cape Town