Programme / Decarbonizing Transportation in Europe and Africa: Priorities for addressing social justice issues and lessons learned

This side-event will explore social justice issues related to decarbonization of transportation in Europe and Africa. In Europe, electric vehicles are relatively low-cost to operate but require up front investments in infrastructure and the vehicles themselves can often be afforded only by middle- and high-income households. Low-income households often operate old and inefficient internal combustion engine vehicles that are high-cost to run and may be excluded from circulation in urban areas because they cause air pollution. Africa has low motorization rates compared to Europe but has a key role in the decarbonization of transportation. Africa’s renewable energy resources, favourable climate, short daily commutes, and young workforce make electrification of transport a priority for African policy makers. While some governments have taken laudable steps to reduce fossil fuel use for transport, these efforts must be further coordinated and scaled up to secure Africa’s energy future. Socially-just policies and legislation are needed to provide affordable and sustainable transport solutions for all households irrespective of income. Public transport offers lower emissions per passenger-km and per tonne-km, but it often does not appeal to middle-and high-income households. In addition, typically trains and trams offer fast and efficient transport solutions between busy nodes, but need to be complemented by local solutions such as buses, minibuses, and bicycles for travelling “the last mile.” Panelists will share recent success stories involving improvements to public transport solutions in Europe and in Africa and will discuss recent research on social justice issues relating to sustainable informal transport solutions and improved accessibility for informal settlements in Africa.

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Decarbonizing Transportation in Europe and Africa: Priorities for addressing social justice issues and lessons learned (google.com)