The global community is facing a climate emergency, and one of the key solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to more sustainable modes of transportation, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and cycling, is crucial. However, the lack of sufficient infrastructure for these options makes them inconvenient and unsafe for the majority of people. This slow progress towards sustainable transportation is hindering our ability to meet Canada’s climate obligations. The urgency to act is evident, especially in the wake of the hottest July on record and the increasing frequency of climate disasters around the world.
In cities like Toronto, the lack of high-quality cycling infrastructure incentivizes car travel, leading to traffic congestion, pollution, and a decline in the city’s overall happiness. In contrast, cities like Copenhagen in Denmark have successfully implemented cycling infrastructure, with 62 percent of people commuting by bike. This city, often regarded as one of the happiest in the world, serves as a shining example of the benefits of prioritizing sustainable transportation.
In addition to cycling infrastructure challenges, bike theft has risen by a staggering 429 percent in Canada this summer. The limited availability of solutions like bicycle lockers, which require reservations and monthly payments, further exacerbates this problem. Initiatives such as the on-demand bicycle storage system being piloted in Vancouver show promise but need to be scaled up nationwide.
Furthermore, a lack of charging infrastructure is one of the reasons why Canadians are not switching to cleaner EVs. In a climate emergency, these infrastructure improvements should have been implemented much earlier. While there are encouraging EV initiatives in Quebec and British Columbia, Ontario and Toronto lag behind in terms of electric vehicle infrastructure and policy innovations.
To overcome these challenges, governments around the world are implementing a variety of incentives and legislation to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation. For example, Brazil is proposing that all gas stations offer EV charging, while countries like Ireland, France, Ecuador, and Sweden have set ambitious targets for EV adoption and the electrification of public transport.
Canada has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of these global leaders by adopting similar policies and rapidly installing sustainable transportation infrastructure nationwide. Quebec and British Columbia have already taken steps in this direction, but Ontario and Toronto need to do more to catch up.
The shift towards sustainable transportation not only benefits the environment but also improves public health and boosts the economy. EVs are already reducing local air pollution and the associated health issues, such as asthma. Higher EV sales are also linked to higher human development indexes (HDI) – a national measure of wealth and living standards.
Countries with higher EV sales tend to lead in the development of environmental inventions, which further contribute to a better quality of life. The connection between cleaner technologies, personal health, and happiness is evident in countries like Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Norway, Quebec, and British Columbia, where the benefits of sustainable transportation are well recognized.
Canada must take decisive action to meet its climate commitments and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Infrastructure investments in EVs and cycling not only enhance our quality of life but also present an economic opportunity. Building infrastructure has long been recognized as a strategy to boost the economy, and with the right choices, it can also be a green economic opportunity.
Canada can start by adopting proven policy solutions and rapidly installing sustainable transportation infrastructure nationwide. The International Energy Agency offers a comprehensive policy database that can serve as a benchmark for places like Toronto that are lagging in clean transportation transition. Additionally, investing in university research and implementing ambitious initiatives can position Canada as a global leader in sustainable transportation.
The urgency for sustainable transportation infrastructure cannot be overstated. The green transition is happening too slowly, and without bold action, we risk failing to meet our climate obligations. By prioritizing the development of EV charging infrastructure, high-quality cycling lanes, and other sustainable transportation solutions, we can accelerate the green transition, improve public health and happiness, and stimulate economic growth. Canada has a unique opportunity to seize this moment and become a global leader in sustainable transportation. Let us not miss this chance for a better future.
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