The actions and lifestyles of the richest one percent of the
world’s population in particular and the consumption patterns of those living
in the developed nations in general have a profoundly negative effect on our
planet and its environment. As the planet transformed into a global village,
the movement of people and goods around the planet increased exponentially.
This mobility was powered by fossil fuels. Hence, in order to combat climate
change and embrace sustainable development a key change needs to happen in the
transportation sector. The gas guzzling, air pollution and carbon emissions
producing flights, ships, and automobiles need to embrace zero-emission
renewable energy or at least hybrid tech.
As of 2018, SHIPPING accounted for 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and if the sector is not cleaned up experts predict this figure could rise to a fifth of emissions by 2050.
Despite the growing flight-shaming movement flygskam emerging from Sweden and Europe inspired by teen climate activist Greta Thunberg and the move towards rail travel - tågskry [train brag] - the aviation sector is growing exponentially:
"2019 is forecast to be another record-breaking year for air travel, with passengers expected to fly a total of 8.1tn km, up 5% from last year and more than 300% since 1990."
- The aviation sector currently accounts for about 2% of global emissions, and is one of the fastest-growing polluters.
Source: The
Guardian & flightradar24.com
- According to data from 2017, the transportation sector contributes to about 14% of global carbon dioxide emissions
Global mobility fuels the economy and it runs on fossil fuels - directly or indirectly! Travel is aspirational. As the middle class grows and populations urbanize mobility increases. Yet the means of travel are all fossil fuels dependent. Meanwhile the world leaders, millionaires and billionaires crisscross the globe at the drop of a hat. As the Guardian article shows, just one short return flight produces more emissions that a whole year's activity of a person from 56 countries.
Thus, seeing news about solar powered flights circumnavigating the planet (Solar Impulse), or preparations for a solo solar flight around the world is heartening. As is news of launches of electric buses, subsidies for purchase of electric vehicles (Norway), cab aggregators and electric car manufacturers coming together to create a Unicorn of a venture - Ola Electric in India, and commercial launches of solar yacht, catamarans and shipping carriers in the maritime sector, as well as solar boats in tourists attracting water bodies across India.
See the world's largest solar powered boat - SolarPlanet's MV Turanor:
On July 19, 2019, 20 electric buses were flagged off from Srinagar the capital of Jammu & Kashmir, India's northern most state by its governor Satya Paul Malik and Aravind Sawant the central minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise. This was made possible by the Government of India's scheme: FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India).
In under two years Eco Marine Power, went from testing to launching its Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) solution system powering a solar commercial cargo ship - MV Panamana in 2019.
A lot is happening but a lot more needs to be done. For example, unlike in Norway, in India the subsidies and tax breaks for electric vehicles purchase is only available for commercial vehicles not private vehicles. A missed bus if ever there was one!
Solarization and electrification and greening of the sectors that move the masses will have a massive impact in curbing emissions. Policy and practice to support all modes of travel going green must become the norm in climate action and the roadmap to sustainable development. This will cut greenhouse gas emissions from the sector and create opportunities and new jobs for green entrepreneurs, innovators and green industry pioneers. As we move, here's hoping our travels are planet-friendly!
Thus, seeing news about solar powered flights circumnavigating the planet (Solar Impulse), or preparations for a solo solar flight around the world is heartening. As is news of launches of electric buses, subsidies for purchase of electric vehicles (Norway), cab aggregators and electric car manufacturers coming together to create a Unicorn of a venture - Ola Electric in India, and commercial launches of solar yacht, catamarans and shipping carriers in the maritime sector, as well as solar boats in tourists attracting water bodies across India.
#Russian explorer Fyodor Konyukhov ends 1st #solarpowered #flight in Crimea. Flying Laboratory is fitted with Russian produced flexible solar panels & energy accumulating systems. Wingspan 25m, weight only 900kg— Raakhee Suryaprakash (@10sunshinegal) July 21, 2019
Prepping for its solo #RoundTheWorld flight
https://t.co/jWQfsyGzDQ
See the world's largest solar powered boat - SolarPlanet's MV Turanor:
On July 19, 2019, 20 electric buses were flagged off from Srinagar the capital of Jammu & Kashmir, India's northern most state by its governor Satya Paul Malik and Aravind Sawant the central minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise. This was made possible by the Government of India's scheme: FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India).
In under two years Eco Marine Power, went from testing to launching its Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) solution system powering a solar commercial cargo ship - MV Panamana in 2019.
Source: Eco Marine Power
A lot is happening but a lot more needs to be done. For example, unlike in Norway, in India the subsidies and tax breaks for electric vehicles purchase is only available for commercial vehicles not private vehicles. A missed bus if ever there was one!
Solarization and electrification and greening of the sectors that move the masses will have a massive impact in curbing emissions. Policy and practice to support all modes of travel going green must become the norm in climate action and the roadmap to sustainable development. This will cut greenhouse gas emissions from the sector and create opportunities and new jobs for green entrepreneurs, innovators and green industry pioneers. As we move, here's hoping our travels are planet-friendly!
