Why do people need to think of going green?

Transportation is an integral part of our life today. 30% of crude oil is consumed by this sector, out of which approximately 80% is by road transport. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the transportation sector’s greenhouse gas emissions have increased significantly over the last two decades. The combustion of fossil fuels such as diesel and gasoline contribute to the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to the already-existing climate change. Other greenhouse gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, are also contributing to the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere. Furthermore, the WHO reported that approximately 4.2 million people worldwide die every year due to outdoor air pollution.

The transportation sector is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gases. The time has come to do your bit to help reduce carbon emissions. It is time for habits to change. Walk, Cycle, pool or choose an eco-friendly mode of transport – GREEN transport, for the commute – self-owned or public or for transporting goods.

What is green transportation?
Green transportation is a low-carbon and environmentally friendly travelling mode. The term green transportation refers to methods of transportation that do not rely on the world’s natural resources to power their operations. It includes public transport (electric buses, zero-emissions buses, metro, train, trams, etc.) and private transport (pedestrians, bikes, scooters, electric vehicles, etc.) This type of transport aims to reduce the negative impacts on the environment.

Why do we need green transportation?
The promotion of green transportation has gained widespread support due to the conflict between the need for resources and the desire for leisure and healthy lifestyles. It has the potential to improve air quality while also reducing traffic congestion. It can also help people reduce their energy consumption and live better lives. Let us go over why we need green transportation in greater detail.

1. Cleaner air and clearer skies
Every 1.6 km driven, the average vehicle emits approximately half a kg of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Using carbon neutral models of transportation will help reduce the carbon footprint and the greenhouse effect on the environment resulting a better air quality index that will find expression in cleaner fresher air and clearer skies.

2. Healthier neighbourhoods
People are more likely to feel better about their health in a community where air quality is good. They are also more likely to exercise and spend time outdoors, resulting in fewer cases of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

3. Less dangerous chemicals
Although gas is the primary pollutant in vehicles, other harmful chemicals used in car manufacturing, from tires to vehicle interiors, negatively impact the environment. Manufacturers need to explore alternative materials that are sustainable & environment friendly.

4. Fewer vehicles- fewer roads
Adopting the practice of Green transportation can reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Walking or cycling for running short distance chores pooling or public transport as the first choice for long-distance travel can significantly reduce cars on the road, reducing the strain on the road infrastructure, thereby reducing the need for additional roads. Using public transportation reduces the adverse effects of its operations by 45 per cent. It can also aid in improving air quality and reducing traffic congestion. According to estimates, using public transportation in the United States can help reduce the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 37 million metric tons per year.

How can one reduce transportation-related Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions
There are three ways to reduce GHG emissions from transportation: improving vehicle efficiency, changing how we travel and transport things, and using lower-carbon fuels.

These can be classified as follows.

• Technology
Various fuel-efficient technologies, like Zero-Emission vehicles and Hybrid vehicles, are essentially the solution to fulfil the world’s need for a greener environment. Electric cars, electric trains, and hydrogen-powered, solar-powered transportation are examples of zero-emission vehicles. These vehicles use a charge/discharge cycle technology. The battery is charged with electricity and discharged during the vehicle’s operation.

• Fuels
Natural gas, hydrogen, and biofuels are examples of alternative fuels. These fuels are being experimented with and tested in various systems, single-fuel and a hybrid system with other fuels.

Green transportation and India
Green transportation is no more a choice. It is a need. A critical component of an emission-free India by 2070. The Government has shown its commitment to the cause through several schemes and SOP. National Electric Mobility Plan, FAME I & II, and PLI are some initiatives in this direction. Furthermore, there isa focus on funding research and development of alternate fuels. Biofuel development from household wet waste in Indore has been one successful venture. Experimentation with using Solar energy to fuel railways is another venture in progress.

The prediction for India’s car market is to be among the top three in the world by 2030, owing to its rapid growth. Experts predict that around 40 million people will require mobility solutions by 2030. However, the increased use of automobiles need not result in increased gasoline and diesel fuel consumption. The Government is encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in India to reduce the country’s reliance on imported oil. India supports the global EV30@30 campaign, which aims to achieve 30% new vehicle sales by 2030.

Experts believe that the emergence of multiple solution-oriented battery swapping platforms may level the playing field for EV users and the ecosystem. The recent Government announcement of the battery-swapping policy is another step in that direction.

More opportunities await. As these emerge, their adoption can allow reductions beyond those we can identify and assess today. And as people, we are interested in what’s going to happen “down the road”.

To Summarize
Transportation contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Increased investment in sustainable, reliable, and affordable public and private transportation measures can substantially reduce the carbon footprint of events. Vehicles powered by combustion engines are a significant source of pollution and the uncontrolled extraction of fossil fuels. As a result, it is critical to find an alternate mode of transportation. India is currently focusing on going green with transportation to address this issue.

- Raj Mehta, Founder, Greta Electric Scooters