On the occasion of the first World Sustainable Transport Day on Sunday, a global initiative to raise awareness and action on the vital role of sustainable transport in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for a transition to sustainable transportation and cleaner energy to combat climate change.
Guterres highlighted the role of transportation as a key enabler of human development, while also acknowledging its contribution to climate disruption. He noted the sector's significant greenhouse gas emissions and emphasized the need for collective efforts to transition to sustainable alternatives.
The UN chief envisioned a future of low-carbon transportation, including electric and solar-powered vehicles, renewable aviation fuel, and eco-friendly public transportation systems, stressing the urgency of the matter.
Sustainable transportation will be a focal point at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
How can we make our transport choices more sustainable and climate-friendly? What are the best options for reducing our carbon footprint and improving our quality of life? To mark the first World Sustainable Transport Day, Sputnik Africa have compiled a list of the most and least eco-friendly modes of transportation, based on a recent study by Colorado State University’s Energy Institute.
The most and least eco-friendly modes of transportation
The study, led by Jason Quinn and Noah Horesh, estimated the carbon dioxide impacts per mile of different modes of transportation, including the emissions from manufacturing and operating the vehicle.
The results are shown in the table below:
Mode of transportation | Carbon dioxide emissions per mile |
Standard car | 374 grams |
Hybrid car | 257 grams |
Electric car | 161 grams |
Horse | 135 grams |
Bus | 100 grams |
Train | 88 grams |
Bike | 33 grams |
Electric scooter | 8 grams |
E-bike | 8 grams |
As you can see, the most eco-friendly modes of transportation are electric scooters and e-bikes, which have very low emissions per mile, followed by bikes, trains and buses. On the other hand, the most polluting modes of transportation are standard cars, hybrid cars and horses.
Yes, you read that right: horses are worse for the environment than buses. This is because horses require a lot of food and water, and produce a significant amount of manure, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
"They eat and poop a lot," Quinn explained.
Electric cars are also better than hybrid cars, which are better than standard cars, but they are not emission-free. Electric cars still have a notable environmental impact from the production of their batteries and the electricity they use, dependent on the energy source.
However, as more renewable energy sources are developed, electric cars are expected to become cleaner and more affordable.
"Over the course of an electric vehicle’s life, you can save up to $21,500 on energy and maintenance – and that number can only grow as the power grid gets cleaner," Quinn said. "This means that some of the cheaper electric cars can pay for themselves over the course of their lifetime."
Of course, the best mode of transportation depends on many factors, such as distance, availability, convenience, cost and personal preference. Quinn also pointed out that there are other benefits to consider, such as health and fitness.
"Sure, you should ride an e-bike if you purely care about emissions, but riding a regular bike or running instead of walking certainly have health benefits," Quinn said. "There is never one answer!"
By choosing sustainable transport, you are not only reducing your carbon footprint but also improving your health, saving money, supporting local businesses, enhancing social inclusion, and contributing to global goals.