The current modes of transportation require an enormous amount of energy to run and are one of the main causes of greenhouse gas emissions leading to the degradation of our environment. This is why it’s of vital importance to look for new and improved ways to implement public transport infrastructures that will help build a more sustainable future and promote a healthier environment. Choosing to build green transport infrastructures comes with many benefits, which this article will cover below. But first…
What is green transport?
Green transport, also known as sustainable transport, refers to ways of transportation that are sustainable in terms of their social and environmental impacts. Unlike traditional modes of transport, green transport does not emit any harmful gases or pollutants into the atmosphere as it does not rely on the use of fossil fuels.
Modes of green transport include:
- bicycles
- electric bikes
- Walking
- electric vehicles
- green trains
- electric motorcycles
- multiple occupant vehicles
- service and freight vehicles
- hybrid cars
- monorails
What are the benefits of green transportation infrastructure
There is a wide range of benefits when it comes to green transportation infrastructures, from environmental, social, health, economic, and individual budgets. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits below.
Less to no greenhouse gas emissions
The majority of existing transport infrastructures utilise sources of energy such as fossil fuels which emit vast quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Choosing to build and utilise green transport infrastructures would help rid the atmosphere of these toxic emissions and not add to the very real problem of global warming. This is because green transportation has few to zero emissions which is why green transport infrastructure would benefit everyone.
Improved health and better quality of life
Energy sources from fossil fuels emit toxic gases into the environment that negatively affect our health. In fact, these gasses have been associated with the rising number of cancer cases and other cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, the emissions produced by green vehicles are not harmful to human health, so by switching to green modes of transportation, an individual, and if done on a large scale, a country's health status will significantly improve.
Reduce traffic congestion
Supporting green transport modes such as bicycles, carpooling, and electric motorcycles will decrease the number of vehicles on roads which will, in turn, reduce a city's traffic congestion and a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions.
Contribute to building a sustainable economy
Switching to green transportation will reduce the use of fossil fuels, thus promoting a more sustainable economy as well as a more sustainable future in both an ecosocial and environmental sense. This is because it will minimise the over-reliance on fossil fuels which do more harm than good, such as aid climate change and drain the economy. While on the other hand, the manufacturing and distribution of green vehicles will improve existing transport systems as well as lead to the creation of more job opportunities in the transport sector. This, in turn, will help minimise socio-economic disparities and help build a sustainable economy for all future generations.
Reduce dependence on nonrenewable energy sources
With the reserves of fossil fuels running out, traditional transportation infrastructures will no longer be a viable option in the years to come. This is why it’s imperative to plan for the future before it is too late and make changes today that will benefit not only the future generations but also the environment itself. Using green modes of transportation will decrease the demand for fuel and gasoline, thus preparing us for a future without them.
Be a catalyst for economic development and growth
Implementing green transport infrastructure into the economy can benefit both society and the economy by aiding in job creation and the upskilling of the labour force in rural and developing areas. This is due to building green transport infrastructure where previously, the only mode of transportation for residents residing in rural areas was to either walk, bike, or take a car. As green transport infrastructure is cheaper to build in the long run, it makes it a more viable option going forward and implementing public transport infrastructures in previously disadvantaged areas will help connect these communities which were previously isolated due to a lack of transport infrastructure. Moreover, building new transport infrastructures will be the reason for job creation and the connecting of communities which will aid in the upskilling of the labour force who previously had no mode of transportation to be able to better their lives.
Final words
As you can see, there are many economic benefits of green infrastructure, as well as social, health and individual budget benefits that will promote a healthier lifestyle and improve the quality of human life by decreasing the emission of greenhouse gasses. Using green transport infrastructures will not only reduce the consumption of energy but will also save our environment from further degradation and help build a more sustainable future for all.